Hamilton Russell Vineyards, Chardonnay, Hemel en Arde, 2014

Arguably the most faithfully Burgundian-styled Chardonnay tasted on my trip. Yet it speaks as much of Hemel en Aarde’s cool climate as it does of Beaune. Exquisitely crafted by winemaker Emul Ross, this tinglingly fresh and elegant Chardonnay also won a DWWA Gold this year. Lovely mouthfeel, linear, with melon, hazelnut, struck match, this is utterly compelling and a joy to drink. Tasted in South Africa in September 2015