Hamilton Russell Vineyards Chardonnay 2008

technical analysis
Winemaker Main Variety Alcohol pH Total Acid Production
: : : : : : Hannes Storm Chardonnay 13.05 %vol 3.01 7 g/l 43920 hL

characteristics
Type Style Body Taste
: White : Dry : Full : Mineral WOODED

blend information
100% Chardonnay

in the vineyard
Soil: Low-vigour, stony, clay-rich, shale-derived soil. Not just a Chardonnay, but a classic, origin expressive wine Hamilton Russell Vineyards Chardonnay is different to most New World Chardonnays. Our stony, clay-rich, soil, cool maritime mesoclimate, naturally tiny yields of around 30 hl/ha and our philosophy of expressing our terroir in our wines give rise to a tighter, drier, more complex mineral character and length to complement the varietal fruit. Many wine enthusiasts prefer this more classic style to the round, viscous, vanilla and sweet fruit character of so many Chardonnays. For this reason, many knowledgeable enthusiasts around the world regard Hamilton Russell Vineyards as the best Chardonnay in South Africa and one of the best in the New World. Growing Season A particularly good winter chill ensured more even bud-break than usual and apart from a couple of strong winds in November, wind speeds were lower than average and conditions at flowering excellent. Humidity was higher than usual in January requiring vigilance to ward off disease. While January was warmer than average contributing to a harvest one week earlier than normal, February and March were cooler than usual.

tasting notes
A tight, minerally wine with classic Hamilton Russell Vineyards length and complexity. A prominent core of intense pear fruit aromas and flavours is brought beautifully into focus by a tight line of natural acid and a dry minerality. An elegant, yet textured and intense wine with a strong personality of both place and vintage. All Hamilton Russell Vineyards wines are grown, made, matured, bottled and labeled by Hamilton Russell Vineyards on the Hamilton Russell Vineyards Estate.