Hamilton Russell

There are certain wineries whose reputation spans not just that of their own wines, but that of the region which they represent. Hamilton Russell Vineyards is one such estate, its championing of South Africa’s southerly, coastal Hemel-en-Aarde district 50 years ago foreshadowing the region’s emergence as the country’s prime cool-climate haven. The brand was founded by Tim Hamilton Russell in 1975, but its international acclaim has been achieved under the direction of his son, Anthony, who took over in 1994. Throughout it all, the focus on just two varieties – Pinot Noir and Chardonnay – has remained total, with Hemel-en-Aarde Valley providing cool, maritime conditions to yield wonderfully austere and understated renderings of these Burgundy varieties.

In addition to their eponymous estate, the Hamilton Russells also own the Ashbourne and Southern Right labels. Ashbourne is best known for its Pinotage which is widely acknowledged among the country's finest. Southern Right, meanwhile, is best known for its wonderfully aromatic and fruit-driven Sauvignon Blanc.