Newton Johnson Full Stop Rock 2014

Happy go lucky.

While the various Hemel-en-Aarde wards are most commonly associated with grapes traditionally associated with Burgundy in the form of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, Newton Johnson are pushing stylistic boundaries by also working with varieties that affiliated to the Rhône.

Granum is this cellar’s top-tier Rhône-style red blend, the 2014 which contains 88% Syrah and 12% Mourvèdre rating 94 points in the Laurium Capital Signature Red Blend Report earlier this year (see here) and available from Wine Cellar for R250 a bottle.

Full Stop Rock 2014 sees 18% Elgin Grenache combined with 80% Syrah and 2% Mourvèdre from own vineyards and sells for quite a bit less, that is to say R130 a bottle from Wine Cellar. It shows cranberry and raspberry plus roses, herbs and some white pepper. The palate is light bodied with fresh acidity and fine tannins, a slightly salty quality to the finish. Easy going and a great accompaniment to al fresco summer lunches.

#WinemagRating: 89/100.

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