Hamilton Russell pre-release: Pioneering fine wine for 50 years

Oct 17, 2025 | All, Local wines | 0 comments

Hamilton Russell celebrated 50 years of fine wine this year. Their latest Pinot Noir and Chardonnay join just a handful of producers whose wines show this level of world-class consistency.

Synonymous with excellence, their labels have defined SA Pinot and Chardonnay, serving as ambassadors for both the country and the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley. They’ve tirelessly maintained their benchmark positioning and winemaking aesthetic, inspiring the creation of Bouchard Fynlayson, Ataraxia and Storm, amongst others.

Two wine bottles from Hamilton Russell Vineyards: a Pinot Noir (95 TA) and a Chardonnay (94 TA), priced at R850 each.

The Hamilton Russell Pinot Noir 2024 weaves freshness, crushed stone minerality and backward fruit, supported by lingering, well-integrated oak tannins. It’s a wine of great sophistication and poise.

The Hamilton Russell Chardonnay 2024 is refined, harmonious and delicious. It sits beautifully on the palate, with a core that’s true to their terroir.

These are special pre-release offerings; be sure to add them to your cellar.

Tasting Notes:

Hamilton Russell Vineyards Pinot Noir 2024

‘Continuing the move towards great elegance in the Hamilton Russell Pinot Noirs, despite the very low yields of the 2024 vintage, this is a scented, stylish cuvée of clones 113, 115 and 667 from Emul Ross. Perfumed, textured and comparatively approachable, it has scented 32% new wood, pomegranate and black cherry flavours, savoury tannins and impressive palate length.’ – Tim Atkin MW, SA Special Report 2025, 95/100

Hamilton Russell Vineyards Chardonnay 2024

‘Yields were very low on the 2024 Hamilton Russell Chardonnay, producing an unusually concentrated wine. Benefitting from the contribution of four different clones, it’s a rich, still youthful white with spice, vanilla-scented 28% new oak, flavours of tangerine, peach and citrus zest and top notes of honeysuckle and saffron.’ – Tim Atkin MW, SA Special Report 2025, 94/100

Recent posts

Kanonkop Cabernet Sauvignon 2021

Kanonkop Cabernet Sauvignon 2021

Kanonkop is one of the greatest red wine producers in Stellenbosch and the Kanonkop Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 is your final chance to add a wine from this iconic vintage to your cellar. Backed by the estate’s pedigree and built to last for decades, it offers excellent...

Stellenbosch Cabernet EP 2024

Stellenbosch Cabernet EP 2024

'South African Cabernet Sauvignon has reached remarkable heights of quality and complexity, allied to a longevity that should make even the most astute international collectors and connoisseurs sit up and take notice.' – Greg Sherwood MW 'Stellenbosch’s Cabernets and...