Newton Johnson new releases

By , 24 October 2024

Bevan Newton Johnson, managing director of his family’s Upper Hemel-en-Aarde property, says that 2023 was far cooler than other recent vintages which was beneficial for the white varieties, but it was also characterised by a lot of rain which proved challenging when it came to the later ripening red varieties. Tasting notes and ratings as follows:

Albariño 2023
Price: R275
Matured for seven months, 70% in a combination of concrete eggs and old oak, 30% in stainless steel tank. Subtle notes of citrus and white peach on the nose while the palate has good fruit concentration, lively but well integrated acidity and a salty finish. Not insubstantial at 13.5% alcohol.

CE’s rating: 92/100.

Southend Chardonnay 2023
Price: R275
Grapes from south-facing and hence cooler vineyards. Matured for 11 months, 60% in barrel, of which 25% were new, and 40% in stainless steel tank. Blossom, pear, peach and lemon on the nose. The palate has a great tension about it – pure fruit and bright acidity before a pithy finish. Alc: 13%.

CE’s rating: 94/100.

Family Vineyards Chardonnay 2023
Price: R540
Matured for 11 months in 228- and 500-litre barrels, approximately 25% new. Full MLF. Lemon, orange, vanilla, spice, bread dough and some leesy complexity on the nose while the palate is rich, broad and full of flavour – dense fruit matched by tangy acidity. Alc: 13%.

CE’s rating: 94/100.

Family Vineyards Pinot Noir 2023
Price: R640
Grapes from four vineyards. Matured for 11 months in 228-litre barrels, 25% new. Red cherry, a hinto of rose, mushroom and earth on the nose. The palate is medium bodied and restrained – a lovely line of acidity and a sense of umami on the finish. Alc: 13%

CE’s rating: 94/100.

Seadragon Pinot Noir 2023
Price: R880
Grapes from a site mid-slope at an altitude of 260m above sea level. 20% whole-bunch fermentation. Matured for 11 months in 228-litre barrels, 25% new. Attractive aromatics of musk, cranberry, raspberry and rose. The palate is succulent – good depth of fruit, coated acidity and powdery tannins. Alc: 13%

CE’s rating: 95/100.

Windansea Pinot Noir 2023
Price: R880
Grapes from a site situated on the highest and more wind-exposed part of the slope at an altitude of 290m above sea level. 30% whole-bunch fermentation. Matured for 11 months in 228-litre barrels, 35% new. Red and black cherry, potpourri, herbs, earth and spice on the nose while the palate is full bodied and well structured – concentrated fruit, fresh acidity and firm but not coarse tannins, the finish distinctly dry. Alc: 13%.

CE’s rating: 96/100.

Falkirk Grenache 2022
Price: R520
Grapes from a vineyard planted in 2016. Matured for 12 months in barrel, 10% new. Exotic aromatics of red berries, orange, fynbos and white pepper. The palate is broad with the fruit to the fore, moderate acidity and fine tannins, the finish gently savoury. Alc: 14%.

CE’s rating: 91/100.

Falkirk Syrah 2022
Price: R520
Red and black berries, earth and pepper on the nose. Good fruit concentration, snappy acidity and crunchy tannins, the finish nicely savoury. Youthful and a little unresolved now, a year or two in bottle will only be beneficial. Alc: 14%.

CE’s rating: 92/100.

Falkirk Mourvedre 2022
Price: R520
Heady aromatics of black berries, floral perfume, fynbos and a hint of mint. The palate is rich and dense, seemingly sweet on entry but there’s also fresh acidity and the finish is nicely dry. Alc: 14%.

CE’s rating: 91/100.

Check out our South African wine ratings database.

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