Hamilton Russell 2022 Chardonnay

H a m i l t o n R u s s e l l 2 0 2 2 C h a r d o n n a y

October 7, 2024

✦

Chardonnay, Reviews, South Africa, White Wine

Hamilton Russel Vineyards. From South Africa, this Hamilton Russell 2022 Chardonnay was a nice surprise. Not anything against South African Wines, it’s just the simple fact I’ve never tried a Chardonnay from this region, and I LOVED it! This review marks our new format, trying to keep within our promise of Wine Reviews made Simple.

Sip

Acidity: High, providing a bright, crisp, and refreshing taste

Body: Full, offering a rich and robust experience on the palate

Tannins: Low, resulting in a softer, smoother mouthfeel

Finish: Medium, with flavors lingering for 10-30 seconds

Aroma: A welcoming bouquet of pear, apple, and citrus greets you, with underlying notes of minerals that add complexity and intrigue. These aromas set the stage for a rich and engaging tasting experience.

Taste: The palate is treated to a luxurious blend of crisp textures and flavors of pear, apple, and citrus. A touch of minerals that reminds me of a nice French Chablis but from South Africa. The wine’s acidity ensures these flavors are highlighted rather than overwhelmed, leading to a finish that is both clean and lingering.

Savor

This Hamilton Russell 2022 Chardonnay pairs exquisitely with a range of dishes, enhancing each with its rich fruit flavors and full-bodied character:

Salmon: Whether it’s grilled, baked, or poached, the rich flavors and creamy texture of salmon are complemented by the wine’s crisp citrus notes.

Poultry: Pair this wine with herb-roasted chicken, turkey, or even duck for a delicious combination. The wine’s acidity helps balance out the richness of the meat, while its fruitiness enhances the dish’s flavors.

Shellfish: Enjoy this Chardonnay with a variety of shellfish dishes, such as shrimp scampi, steamed mussels, or lobster bisque. The wine’s crisp acidity and crisp citrus notes work in harmony with the succulent seafood.

Cheese and charcuterie: The wine’s crisp citrus aromas make it an excellent pairing for a variety of cheeses (e.g., Brie, Camembert, or aged Cheddar) and cured meats.

Vegetable dishes: Roasted or grilled vegetables, especially asparagus, zucchini, or bell peppers, can be enhanced by the wine’s fruity flavors and acidity.

By exploring these pairings, you’ll unlock the full potential of the Hamilton Russel 2022 Chardonnay, we had it with Salmon and it was amazing.

Simplify

Vintage: 2022

Varietal: Chardonnay

Country: South Africa

ABV: 13.5%

Price & Store: $43.99 (6 or more you save around $4-5 a bottle) Total Wine

Occasion: Versatile – Wines that can fit into multiple occasions, from casual to more formal settings.

Conclusion:

This Hamilton Russell 2022 Chardonnay is climbing to the top of our Chardonnay selections. We love Chablis from France and Chardonnay’s from Oregon due to the crisp feel of the wine. California Chardonnay’s have more of a “Buttery” note to them due to the way they make the wine and the oak barrels they use. Oregon chardonnays are a combination of both and South Africa is closer to the French style which I personally like. Really depends on your taste preference.

This one pairs nicely with so many different dishes or even on its own. The first sip created a “woah” type of moment for me. My wife Linda “loves” this wine. I’ll definitely try more South African Chardonnay’s, but this one will be hard to beat. I’m going back for more as soon as I can.