Hamilton Russell Vineyards Chardonnay Hamilton Russell Vineyards 2018

Barrel-fermented and aged nine months in mostly seasoned oak with 29% new, this 2018 Hemel-en-Aarde Chardonnay opens with lemon zest, orange blossom and toasted hazelnuts, clean and focused, with a faint brioche note drifting in behind. On the mouth it's crisp and well-poised, with more spice than expected and a pleasing nuttiness that carries through to dried orange peel on the finish. Finely made.