Hamilton Russell eyes ‘next level’ in UK

UK agent Mentzendorff has hailed the “thrilling energy” surrounding South African wine at the moment as it announced the addition of Hamilton Russell Vineyards to its portfolio.

Anthony Hamilton Russell

Founded by Tim Hamilton Russell back in 1975, this Chardonnay and Pinot Noir specialist has played a pioneering role in the viticultural development of its Hemel-en-Aarde Valley home, a maritime-influenced region that lies 120 kilometres south-east of Cape Town.

The business is managed today by Tim’s son Anthony Hamilton Russell, who has also founded the Southern Right and Ashbourne wine brands, both of which join the Mentzendorff portfolio as well.

Commenting on these new additions, Mentzendorff managing director Andrew Hawes said: “Welcoming a new agency into our brand portfolio, with its continued focus on independent family-owned estates that represent the highest standards of quality, is always an exciting moment.”

Hawes observed the “thrilling energy in South African wine” and its growing importance for Mentzendorff’s business, noting that Hamilton Russell Vineyards’ wines “will sit most comfortably alongside those of Klein Constantia and Anwilka, to form a powerful and complementary, super-premium South African collection.”

Meanwhile Anthony Hamilton Russell described the UK as “one of our most important markets, both emotionally and economically,” adding, “we are extremely happy to be partnering Hamilton Russell Vineyards and our associated wineries with Mentzendorff and their focused portfolio of exceptional family properties.”

Thanking previous agent Hallgarten Druitt for its “excellent work with our wines,” he remarked: “We believe that Mentzendorff will now enable us to develop to the next level in the UK, benefiting from their focus and high-quality strategic input and brand management, with Hallgarten continuing to provide distribution as a valued wholesale partner of Mentzendorff.”

The Hamilton Russell collection of wines will be available to taste at London Wine Fair next week on stand C20.