The 2022 Hamilton Russell Chardonnay from the Hemel en Aarde appellation in South Africa's Western Cape showcases a remarkable expression of the Chardonnay varietal. This white wine has garnered significant attention and praise from professional reviewers, reflecting its quality and potential for aging.

Decanter awarded this wine an impressive 95 points, noting its "subtle at first on the nose and palate" character that builds with "floral aromas and a hint of spice." The review highlights the presence of "succulent white peach and pear fruit on the palate," with oak that is "supple and beautifully integrated." The mineral, almost steely edge mentioned by Decanter suggests a long future for this wine, which was 100% barrel-fermented in François Frères oak, with 23% new wood and 5% malolactic conversion.

James Suckling, in his review on jamessuckling.com, gave this Chardonnay a score of 93, describing it as having a "lovely nose of cedar, grapefruit, lemon rind, apricot stones, and tarragon." He also noted its "medium- to full-bodied, deliciously saline and creamy" nature, with a "long and elegant finish." According to Suckling, this wine is suitable for drinking now or holding for future enjoyment.

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate rated the 2022 Hamilton Russell Chardonnay at 94 points, praising its "nose of bright lemon and peach yogurt with hints of banana." The review highlights the wine's "fresh, balanced and spicy" palate, featuring "succulent apple essence" and an "elegant floral notion" that completes its "fresh and complex" finish. The wine was barrel fermented and aged in 23% new French oak, with a total production of just under 70,000 bottles.

Vinous also commended this Chardonnay with a score of 93, remarking on its "backward nose" that reveals "tempting lemon thyme, hazelnut, and subtly smoky aromas" after some coaxing. The palate is described as "taut and fresh with a lovely, slightly waxy texture," with oak that is "nicely integrated" and a "poised finish."

Wine Spectator rated the wine at 91 points, appreciating its "crisp and appealing" nature with a "lightly chalky texture." The review mentions flavors of "ripe Gala apple, slivered almond, pickled ginger, and stony mineral," and a "clean-cut finish" with a hint of "white blossoms."

Overall, the 2022 Hamilton Russell Chardonnay is a well-crafted, balanced wine with a range of complex flavors and a promising future.