Newton Johnson new releases

Gordon Newton Johnson of Newton Johnson Family Vineyards in the Upper Hemel-en-Aarde Valley notes that while the cool, wet 2023 vintage brought long hang-times, 2024 was warmer, delivering good ripeness and wines of greater depth and power. Whereas shale predominates in the Valley and Ridge wards, the Upper Valley is largely defined by granitic soils, typically yielding wines that are more fragrant and finely etched.

Albariño 2024
Price: R290
Matured in a mix of concrete egg and stainless steel. Aromas of floral perfume and citrus. Slightly more fruit weight than the previous vintage makes it more immediately approachable, while the characteristic high acidity carries through to a pithy finish. Alc: 13.5%.

CE’s rating: 91/100.

Southend Chardonnay 2024
Price: R290
Grapes from a cooler slope directly opposite the Newton Johnson farm, allowing slower ripening. Citrus, leesy complexity, and a hint of oak spice on the nose. The palate is certainly not too lean with good fruit concentration and punchy acidity leading to a savoury finish. Alc: 13.5%.

CE’s rating: 93/100.

Family Vineyards Chardonnay 2024
Price: R570
Sourced from multiple vineyards to reflect the estate in its entirety. Pear, peach, citrus, and vanilla on the nose. The palate is poised and elegant – less concentrated and more open than 2023 – with vibrant acidity and a long, pithy finish. Alc: 13.5%.

CE’s rating: 94/100.

Walker Bay Pinot Noir 2024
Price: R350
Grapes from own vineyards, Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge, and Bot River. Matured 11 months in 228-litre barrels (9% new). Strawberry, floral perfume, and a hint of reduction on the nose; pure and lively on the palate, finishing dry. Balanced and appealing in its lack of affectation. Alc: 13.5%.

CE’s rating: 92/100.

Family Vineyards Pinot Noir 2024
Price: R680
Crafted to represent the estate as a whole. Strawberry, red and black cherry, fynbos, musk, and pepper on the nose. The palate is rich and full – succulent entry, dry finish, bright acidity, powdery tannins. Offers weight and flavour without losing refinement. Alc: 14%.

CE’s rating: 95/100.

Seadragon Pinot Noir 2024
Price: R925
Grapes from a north-facing vineyard planted in 2003 – the oldest of the variety on the estate. Beguiling aromas of strawberry, cherry, musk, and potpourri while the palate is dense with fruit, the acidity bright and the tannins velvety. Seductive in its seamless richness, the finish wonderfully persistent. Alc: 14%.

CE’s rating: 96/100.

Windansea Pinot Noir 2024
Price: R925
Grapes from a north-facing vineyard on the highest part of the slope and the most exposed to wind. Red and black berries, fynbos, earth and white pepper on the nose. A solid core of fruit, bright acidity and tannins that are fine but nevertheless make for quite an austere finish. More structured, slightly more angular profile than Seadragon. Alc: 14%.

CE’s rating: 95/100.

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