Hamilton Russell
Hamilton Russell Vineyards is located in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley near the coastal town of Hermanus and is one of the southernmost wineries in Africa. The cool maritime climate and proximity to the Atlantic create particularly favourable conditions for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
The story of the estate began in 1975, when Tim Hamilton Russell acquired a then undeveloped property of around 170 hectares. With the first vintage in 1981, Hamilton Russell became a pioneer of winegrowing in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley. His son Anthony Hamilton Russell took over management in 1991 and subsequently focused the estate entirely on Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
The vineyards are situated on stony, clay-rich soils formed from weathered shale. The naturally low vigour of the soils, cooling sea winds and low yields contribute to wines with pronounced structure, freshness and length. All grapes come from the estate's own vineyards and are bottled as Estate Wine of Origin Hemel-en-Aarde Valley.
Hamilton Russell Chardonnay often combines aromas of pear and lime with fine spice, lively acidity and mineral tension. Fermentation and maturation in French oak barrels add depth without masking the cool character of its origin.
The Pinot Noir is less overtly fruit-driven and instead tends towards a savoury, spicy and layered style. Fine tannins, dark fruit and clear structure define a wine that can develop well and reflects the cool conditions of the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley.
Hamilton Russell Vineyards stands for clear specialisation, a close connection to its own site and an elegant, precise wine style. Discover selected Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays at Vin Africa from one of the defining estates of South Africa's coastal wine region.