Hearth new releases

Nadia Newton Johnson was born and raised on a farm in Robertson. She graduated with a degree in viticulture and oenology from the University of Stellenbosch in 2002, joined Newton Johnson Vineyards in 2006 and got married to fellow winemaker Gordon in 2008.

She describes help establish Newton Johnson as one of South Africa’s very best wineries as a “fascinating journey” and has now embarked on making small volumes of wine under her own label while continue to fulfil a consulting role to her family by marriage. Tasting notes and ratings for her maiden releases as follows:

Swinsian Chardonnay 2022
Price: R530
Grapes from the Upper Hemel-en-Aarde Valley called Siberia, originally planted by Tokara. Matured for 11 months in barrel, 30% new. Full malolactic fermentation. Lemon, a hint of orange, oatmeal and some yeasty complexity on the nose. The palate has good depth of fruit, a creamy texture, well integrated acidity and a gently savoury finish. Alc: 13%.

CE’s rating: 93/100.

Artjiesvlei Pinot Noir 2022
Price: R630
Grapes from a south-facing vineyard on decomposed granite and clay. 15% whole-bunch fermentation; 30% new oak. Red cherry, a trace of musk, cured meat and white pepper on the nose. The palate is voluptuous – the fruit is deep and sweet, the acidity bright and the tannins powdery, the finish long and gently savoury. Alc: 14%.

CE’s rating: 95/100.

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