Hamilton Russell Vineyards 2012 Chardonnay – a truly excellent vintage with high ratings!

Although our Hamilton Russell Vineyards 2012 Chardonnay has been selling for a while, we received our first round of reviews from the US recently.   We were extremely pleased to have scored a 93 from James Molesworth in the Wine Spectator and a 93 (+?) from Stephen Tanzer in the International Wine Cellar.   Here is what they wrote about our Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, Estate grown 2012 Chardonnay:   “Tightly wound, this exhibits a serious core of glazed pear, fig, apple, plantain and brioche notes, lined with mineral and honeysuckle hints and accented by nicely beaded acidity. This should be a beauty when it unwinds fully”. Best from 2014 through 2020.  James Molesworth – 93 Highly Recommended   “Wonderfully complex aromas of pear, wild herbs, sweet butter, smoke and tropical fruits; showed an iodiney minerality with air. Concentrated and harmonious but firm-edged, with brisk lemony acidity framing the very youthful flavors of stone fruits and minerals. Conveys a powerful impression of intensity without weight, like the best white Burgundies. Very young but smooth on the long, peach aftertaste”. Stephen Tanzer – 93(+?)   Our 2012 will be sold out by the end of December.