Subtle at first on the nose and palate, this builds with floral aromas and a hint of spice, together with succulent white peach and pear fruit on the palate. Oak is supple and beautifully integrated. Deceptively powerful, there is a mineral, almost steely, edge which will give this a long future. 100% barrel-fermentation in François Frères oak, 23% new wood, 5% malolactic conversion. Another fine wine from Emul Ross, and a classic example of Chardonnay from the Lower Valley.

Opening to a nose of bright lemon and peach yogurt with hints of banana, the 2022 Chardonnay is fresh and citrus-laden. Medium-bodied and with 13.2% alcohol, the palate is fresh, balanced and spicy with succulent apple essence before swinging to show an elegant floral notion that finishes fresh and complex. This Chardonnay was barrel fermented and aged in 23% new French oak. Give it a try! Just under 70,000 bottles were filled.

The 2022 Chardonnay is matured nine months in 300-liter French oak barrels, 24% new. It has a backward nose demanding just a little coaxing from the glass, revealing tempting lemon thyme, hazelnut and subtly smoky aromas. The palate is taut and fresh with a lovely, slightly waxy texture. The oak is nicely integrated, quite linear and tensile in style, with ample weight toward the poised finish. This is a classy Chardonnay from Hamilton Russell. 13.3% alcohol

Crisp and appealing, with a lightly chalky texture carrying well-meshed flavors of ripe Gala apple, slivered almond, pickled ginger and stony mineral. Clean-cut finish, with a waft of white blossoms. Drink now through 2026. 300 cases made, 150 cases imported.