Tasting - Newton Johnson Winery

Newton Johnson Winery is owned by a family that is fun, caring, humble and share the love of the sea. Just a mere 6km off the nearest bay, the family spends the majority of their time by the ocean. Stories of the patriarch of the family denying his boys time on the field, so that they can pass time catching lobsters; often fill masterclasses. It seems natural that when the call of winemaking came, the ocean friendly varietal Pinot Noir was the choice of specialty.

In 1995, Dave Newton Johnson established a place in Upper Hemel en Aarde (Heaven and Earth in Dutch) and started planting vines shortly after. Today, the winery is run by 2 brothers Bevan and Gordan. Bevan being the elder, trots around the world and bring people to their feet with his joyous wines. Gordan and his wife Nadia are the cogs behind the winemaking wheel. The kinship is evident throughout the conversations we shared during recess times. The winery logo of 2 seahorses encapsulates not only this brotherly love, but is also a symbolism of their connection to the beach. In a short span, of 2 decades. Their accolades read briefly like this.

- Consecutive 5 stars John Platter for Family Vineyards Pinot Noir

- White wine of the year for Family Vineyards Chardonnay
- Best Pinot Noir outside of Burgundy for Family Vineyards Pinot Noir 

Yet at each and every tasting,  accolades weren’t mentioned and neither were any achievements. Rather, ideologies as hard as a surf board were shared. Humble.

Here are some reviews of the wines:
The Felicite series, a smattering word mash of good luck in French and a tribute to the lady of the winery; showcases its basic series. Unoaked, and nothing complicated. It is the perfect wine to chill at places of comfort, and leave worries behind.

The Walker bay series, is named after the bay which brings in the wind from the ocean. Grown in sandstone, it is characterised by perfume and earthy flavors. Light cherries, strawberry and “Davidoff Cool Waters” aromas puncture the air as it fills the room. The finish is lasting and the structure well-tuned.

The Family Vineyard series, is amongst Creame de la creame of new world wines. There are 3 labels in this series. Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Granum. The grapes used for these labels are from their own vineyards and only the best handpicked grapes are used. The profile wines have been often compared to Burgundy, justifiably and it is usually summarised as “Stunningly Elegant”.

Over the course of the few days spent with industry professionals and connoisseurs, vindicated any doubts on the quality of wines. Undoubtedly one of best wine walks I have done.
After all the activites, we celebrated our achievements over a bowl of Adam Road Mee Soto.
Humble is after all, our best policy.
All that is left is to ensure the rare Single Vineyard Seadragon gets the same reception.

Get some here today:
https://www.stellezvine.com.sg/newton-johnson

Gerard Zhang
CSW, WSET