Newton Johnson Family Vineyards

Upper Hemel en Aarde Valley Chardonnay

9.110 ratings
9.32 pro ratings
Western Cape, South Africa
Chardonnay
Duck, Shellfish, Goose, Mushrooms, Manchego & Parmesan, Game, Pork, Squash & Root Vegetables, Chicken, Turkey, Cheddar & Gruyere, Meaty & Oily Fish, White Fish, Shellfish, Crab & Lobster, Cream Sauces
Top Notes For
David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.3

We are stopping for a glass at the Cape Grace Hotel in Cape Town after a day touring the nicer parts of coastal Cape Town as shown in the photos. It’s beautiful but, can’t wait to get to Stellenbosch tomorrow.

Newton Johnson is one of good SA producers in the Upper Hemel-en-Aarde Valley in Hermanus, which is SE about an hour and forty minutes from Cape Town.

The nose reminds me of Sonoma Chardonnay without being hammered by new oak. Green apple, lime edging towards candy, pineapple, green melon, blended tropical fruit mix, white peach, butter but, not overdone, honeysuckle, light herbaceous notes, touch of saline, beautiful soft chalkiness, limestone minerals, fruit blossoms, yellow lilies & spring flowers.

The body is full, heavy and waxy. It’s rich. It also has a sense of tannins. The fruits are nicely ripened. Green apple, lime edging towards candy, pineapple, green melon, blended tropical fruit mix, white peach, vanilla, butter but, not overdone, honeysuckle, light herbaceous notes, touch of saline, beautiful soft chalkiness, palate penetrating volcanic minerals, limestone, some flinty notes, fruit blossoms, yellow lilies & spring flowers. The acidity is quite perfect. The finish is the definition of; rich, lush, elegant and well balanced. It’s persists for two to three minutes. Really nice! Also, appreciate the 13% ABV.

Photos of, The Mountains surrounding Camps Bay, the Waterfront area and the bar in the Cape Grace Hotel.

We are stopping for a glass at the Cape Grace Hotel in Cape Town after a day touring the nicer parts of coastal Cape Town as shown in the photos. It’s beautiful but, can’t wait to get to Stellenbosch tomorrow.

Newton Johnson is one of good SA producers in the Upper Hemel-en-Aarde Valley in Hermanus, which is SE about an hour and forty minutes from Cape Town.

The nose reminds me of Sonoma Chardonnay without being hammered by new oak. Green apple, lime edging towards candy, pineapple, green melon, blended tropical fruit mix, white peach, butter but, not overdone, honeysuckle, light herbaceous notes, touch of saline, beautiful soft chalkiness, limestone minerals, fruit blossoms, yellow lilies & spring flowers.

The body is full, heavy and waxy. It’s rich. It also has a sense of tannins. The fruits are nicely ripened. Green apple, lime edging towards candy, pineapple, green melon, blended tropical fruit mix, white peach, vanilla, butter but, not overdone, honeysuckle, light herbaceous notes, touch of saline, beautiful soft chalkiness, palate penetrating volcanic minerals, limestone, some flinty notes, fruit blossoms, yellow lilies & spring flowers. The acidity is quite perfect. The finish is the definition of; rich, lush, elegant and well balanced. It’s persists for two to three minutes. Really nice! Also, appreciate the 13% ABV.

Photos of, The Mountains surrounding Camps Bay, the Waterfront area and the bar in the Cape Grace Hotel.

Apr 21st, 2019
MICHAEL COOPER DipWSET

Owner TomeVinos wine shops, WSET Level 3, Blogger www.spanishwinesandmore.com, blog.tomevinos.com

9.3

Started off with reductive notes that reminded me almost of a Rhine Riesling and or Jura, but that blew off and the new oak fermentation aromas came of toasty, ash and vainilla. It reminded me of how Californian Chardonnays once were. I felt that it was extremely well balanced and had a long bright and refreshing finish. Outstanding #chardonnay #southafricanwine

Started off with reductive notes that reminded me almost of a Rhine Riesling and or Jura, but that blew off and the new oak fermentation aromas came of toasty, ash and vainilla. It reminded me of how Californian Chardonnays once were. I felt that it was extremely well balanced and had a long bright and refreshing finish. Outstanding #chardonnay #southafricanwine

Jun 2nd, 2017
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Nov 6th, 2019
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