Region: Willamette Valley, Oregon

Vintage: 2019

Composition: 100% Chardonnay

History: With now more than 40 vintages of internationally renowned, classically styled Pinot noir and Chardonnay behind them, Hamilton Russell Vineyards was keen to explore winemaking possibilities in the Northern Hemisphere to complement their cool climate Southern Hemisphere winemaking in the beautiful, maritime, Hemel-en-Aarde Valley in South Africa. After considering Burgundy and then researching the Santa Rita Hills in Southern California, proprietors Anthony and Olive Hamilton Russell eventually settled on the Willamette Valley in Oregon. Having visited regularly from the 1990’s, they were excited by the incredible growth and quality development there. They were increasingly confident that they could have a role to play in the current move towards the more refined, classically styled wines they so enjoy – and which Hamilton Russell Vineyards in South Africa is known for. Serendipitous relationships enabled access to Pinot noir grapes from the very best vineyard sites from the beginning. And with the Southern Hemisphere vintage safely maturing in the cellar, Hamilton Russell Vineyards winemaker Emul Ross was able to travel to Oregon to make the maiden vintage in 2018. Working initially with two famous Pinot noir vineyards in the two nested AVA’s of most interest to them for the style they were aiming for, they settled in 2019 on a single Pinot noir source from the Zena Crown vineyard in the Eola-Amity Hills, adding an exciting new Chardonnay vineyard, Maple Grove, as well. As for their Hemel-en-Aarde Valley estate, the intention is to make a single exceptional Pinot noir and a single exceptional Chardonnay – no “reserves” and no second labels.

Tasting Notes:

“Pale greenish gold in color, this wine smells of crushed stones and white flowers. In the mouth, elegant, stony flavors are bright with wet chalkboard, lemon pith, and lemon oil. White flowers linger in the finish.” – Alder Yarrow