Newton Johnson Family Vineyards Falkirk Syrah 2021

Upper Hemel-en-Aarde Valley

‘Falkirk’, Scotland is from where the Newton family originated, meaning ‘speckled church’ for the stone structure that has stood there since the 6th century. The name represents the 1½ hectare vineyard site of deep deposits of stone and rock where the only Rhône wine varieties are to be found on the farm. Bushvines of Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre were planted to discover the contrasting nuances these vines produce from this Granite-derived soil.

Tasting Note
A wine with startling evolution, at first with grape stems and herbaceous fynbos that expand to deep plum fruit, Christmas cake and varied spices of clove and white pepper. The palate is voluptuous and juicy with tension in the tannins to hold the flavour in to the finish.

Maturation
Matured for 12 months in older 500L barrels produced in Burgundy. Tighter grained oak is preferred for subtle flavour, with longer seasoning and slower, lower temperature toasting. The wine is racked and blended to 900L foudre for another 6 months of élevage. No fining and filtration before bottling.

Tim Atkin: 91/100
This Syrah used to go into the Granum blend but is now bottled on its own. Meaty, spicy, firm and well structured, it’s very much a cool climate style, with herbal top notes from 60% whole bunches, hints of peat and wild mountain herbs and a core of cranberry and black cherry fruit. Serious stuff. 2025-29