Hamilton Russell Vineyards Chardonnay 2013

Pear, stone fruit, sweet butter and a thread of smoke on the nose, with an iodine-laced minerality that surfaces with air. On the palate, concentrated and harmonious, brisk lemony acidity keeping the youthful fruit in check, peach and nectarine flavors framed rather than softened by it. The impression is one of intensity without bulk, closer to top-end white Burgundy than anything obviously South African. The finish is long and clean, peach-toned, and the whole wine feels wound tight. Outstanding potential. One of the Cape's most consistently compelling Chardonnays; give it time. Drink 2016–2025.