Newton Johnson Range Tasting
Newton Johnson Winery is a family run winery located in Upper Hemel en Aarde Valley (Valley of Heaven and Earth in Dutch). It was founded in 1995 by Dave, and his wife Felicity.
The reins have since been handed down to the next generation Bevan and Gordon. After decades of winemaking excellence, their efforts have led them to become one of South Africa's star wineries.
The Family Vineyard Pinot Noir is highly prized, being awarded 5 Star ratings by John Platter for 8 consecutive times (That has to be some record) and named one of the best outside of Burgundy by Decanter Magazine. The Family Vineyard Chardonnay garnered an equally impressive 'White wine of the year' award in 2015 by SPH magazines.
(http://thepeakmagazine.com.sg/gourmet-travel/g-top-wines-results-unveiled-5-top-wines-2015/)
I had the privilege to dissect the wines together with Zachary Tay (The only sommelier in the world who managed to pick 5 South African wines correctly out of 20 others, in an annual blind tasting competition held by PIWOSA in different cities worldwide) in a memorable afternoon.
The following were the top 3 highlights of the afternoon's tasting, in no particular order.
Family Vineyard Pinot Noir 2015
The family vineyard pinot noir, was a little shy at first even after double decanting. (What is double decanting? If you have seen how Teh Tarik is done, that is exactly it)
At first nose, the crushed rocks and smoky notes were prominent and on the palate it appeared tart.
We had to wait for about half an hour before it finally opened up. The seductive red fruit aromas filled the glass; The long finish of complex cherry notes, balanced acids and structured tannins pampered our palates.
It was well worth the wait.
Pinot Noir is a notoriously difficult grape to grow, as their skins are delicately thin and the winemaking process arduously tedious. What we have tasted was a delicious mix of supreme winemaking technique, and terroir.
A 'skilled finish', was the general consensus.
Full Stop Rock 2014
Full Stop Rock is a blend of Syrah, Grenache and Mourvedre, similar to those that can be found in Southern Rhone.
Unlike their southern Rhone counterparts though, it doesn't possess the same intense fruit flavours one might expect. Instead, gentler peppery and light blackcurrant notes rule the day.
The tannin is gripping, acidity are lively and the texture sumptuous.
The evolution in the glass is remarkable as the secondary flavours and fragrance shine as time goes on.
Overall, we felt the wine's complexity coupled with it's selling price of $60 makes this a value for money wine of the tasting.
Felicite Chardonnay 2016
Felicite Chardonnay, named after one of the founders is one of the best entry level Chardonnay you will find. Sharp, crisp and edgy, it stands out among a crowd with its qualities.
The general agreement, was that it is clean and has a lush texture in the mouth with a tangy circus finish.
Definitely an everyday wine not to be missed!
In conclusion, Newton Johnson wines live up to its reputation and the wines are made to last the distance with the structure and high acids that they have.
See below for the event photos
https://www.facebook.com/pg/stellezvinefan/photos/? tab=album&album_id=10155439478144113
Gerard Zhang
CSW, WSET
The reins have since been handed down to the next generation Bevan and Gordon. After decades of winemaking excellence, their efforts have led them to become one of South Africa's star wineries.
The Family Vineyard Pinot Noir is highly prized, being awarded 5 Star ratings by John Platter for 8 consecutive times (That has to be some record) and named one of the best outside of Burgundy by Decanter Magazine. The Family Vineyard Chardonnay garnered an equally impressive 'White wine of the year' award in 2015 by SPH magazines.
(http://thepeakmagazine.com.sg/gourmet-travel/g-top-wines-results-unveiled-5-top-wines-2015/)
The following were the top 3 highlights of the afternoon's tasting, in no particular order.
Family Vineyard Pinot Noir 2015
The family vineyard pinot noir, was a little shy at first even after double decanting. (What is double decanting? If you have seen how Teh Tarik is done, that is exactly it)
At first nose, the crushed rocks and smoky notes were prominent and on the palate it appeared tart.
We had to wait for about half an hour before it finally opened up. The seductive red fruit aromas filled the glass; The long finish of complex cherry notes, balanced acids and structured tannins pampered our palates.
It was well worth the wait.
Pinot Noir is a notoriously difficult grape to grow, as their skins are delicately thin and the winemaking process arduously tedious. What we have tasted was a delicious mix of supreme winemaking technique, and terroir.
A 'skilled finish', was the general consensus.
Full Stop Rock 2014
Full Stop Rock is a blend of Syrah, Grenache and Mourvedre, similar to those that can be found in Southern Rhone.
Unlike their southern Rhone counterparts though, it doesn't possess the same intense fruit flavours one might expect. Instead, gentler peppery and light blackcurrant notes rule the day.
The tannin is gripping, acidity are lively and the texture sumptuous.
The evolution in the glass is remarkable as the secondary flavours and fragrance shine as time goes on.
Overall, we felt the wine's complexity coupled with it's selling price of $60 makes this a value for money wine of the tasting.
Felicite Chardonnay 2016
Felicite Chardonnay, named after one of the founders is one of the best entry level Chardonnay you will find. Sharp, crisp and edgy, it stands out among a crowd with its qualities.
The general agreement, was that it is clean and has a lush texture in the mouth with a tangy circus finish.
Definitely an everyday wine not to be missed!
In conclusion, Newton Johnson wines live up to its reputation and the wines are made to last the distance with the structure and high acids that they have.
See below for the event photos
https://www.facebook.com/pg/stellezvinefan/photos/? tab=album&album_id=10155439478144113
Gerard Zhang
CSW, WSET
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