The Family Vineyards Chardonnay from Newton Johnson in Upper Hemel en Aarde is comprised of three vineyards sites from the farm, widely varied in their exposure to the sun, each contributing in different ways to the final wine’s structure.
The 2019 vintage is particularly well-conceived, winemaking involving spontaneous fermentation and maturation in 35% new oak. The nose shows pear and citrus, the merest hint of flinty reduction plus subtle notes of vanilla and oatmeal. The palate, meanwhile, possesses a dense core of fruit but is not too weighty. The wine has plenty of drive thanks to a good line of acidity while the finish is long and pithy. It’s a vivid, rather lovely rendition of the variety. Price: R370.
CE’s rating: 94/100.
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