B A C K G R O U N D

The lowest slopes of the Newton Johnson farm are ideally suited to Rhône/Mediterranean grape varieties. Alluvial deposits of large stone fragments up to two metres deep require strong vines to search for nutrients and water. ‘FULL STOP ROCK’ is how we define this jagged landscape. Unlike Pinot noir that is sapped of its plump fruit and vitality, robust vines like Syrah, Grenache, and Mourvèdre, thrive in this type of soil. We were encouraged to discover clear-cut, invigorating wines with compact black fruit, spice, perfume, and fine tannin structure.

T A S T I N G   N O T E S

Rich and generous with its wild flavour. Brooding black fruits, liquorice and mulberry are laced with black and white pepper, topped with the sweet floral notes of Grenache. Full liquorice flavour, with juicy red fruits in the periphery , and chewy tannins lasting into the finish.

A N A L Y S I S

Alcohol by volume 13.74 % Total Acidity 5.14 g/l pH 3.59 Residual sugar 1.9 g/l

L O C A T I O N  &  C L I M A T E

The main vineyard contingent to this wine lies mostly on the lowest slopes and bottom plateau, at altitudes of 225 to 245m, in the porphyritic granite soils of the Upper Hemel -en-Aarde Valley. This appellation ranges from 4 to 8 km in proximity to the Atla ntic Ocean. The climate is cool and temperate, where parallel mountain ranges channel the southerly oceangoing winds through the appellation during the summer. These southerly winds in turn create regular sea mists and overcast conditions, moderating the t emperatures in the valley. The annual rainfall is 910mm, with 50% falling in the winter months (May – August).

A P P E L L A T I O N: Wine of Origin UPPER HEMEL-EN-AARDE VALLEY

B L E N D E D   VARIETIES: 76% Syrah, 16% Grenache, 8 % Mourvèdre

S O I L: Stone fragments and decomposed granite on iron-rich clay

A S P E C T: North and North-West facing. Slopes of 10-12%.

T R E L I S S I N G: 7-wire Vertical Shoot Positioning (VSP) with movable wires, Echalas (one stake per vine), and bush vine (Goblet).

A G E  O F  V I N E S: 6-19 years

P R U N I N G: Cordon, Echalas & Goblet

V I N E S  P E R  Ha: 3300 – 5100

A V E R A G E  Y I E L D: 4.7 tons/Ha (32 hl/Ha)

2 0 2 1 V I N T A G E

Growing Season & Harvesting A cool, long-ripening and healthy vintage. The preceding winter was late to start and crept in to September, delivering good rains and the best cold units for the last 5 years. The budburst throughout the cold conditions of September was gradual, delaying the growth to late in the season. Some late, cold front systems lashing the coast caused some wind damage and crop loss during flowering in early November, setting the tone for one of the coldest spring seasons in 10 years. The generous Spring rains contrasted with one of the driest, though coolest, summers on record. Only 12 hours of temperature over 30°C was recorded for the whole summer, culminating in an average ripening period of 105 days from flowering to harvest for both the Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Most of these vineyards were harvested in March, indicating a distinctly late season. These vineyards were harvested between 1 s t to 25t h March.

Data Sheet:

https://newtonjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/2021-NJFSR.pdf