Newton Johnson Family Vineyards Granum 2016

Upper Hemel-en-Aarde Valley

Once you have glimpsed the rocky soils on the lowest slopes of the Newton Johnson domaine it becomes apparent that they are undeniably suited to Rhône/Mediterranean grape varieties. Alluvial deposits of large stone fragments up to two metres deep require vigourous growing vines to search for nutrients and water. 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. When we pioneered the Syrah grape in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley little was known of the potential styles of Syrah-based blends from the cooler South African wine areas, and we were astounded by the quality of these vineyards. We discovered a mineral style of wine with compact black fruit, spice, perfume, and sophisticated tannins.

Tasting Notes
A sturdy, evolving vintage. Layers of mature black fruits, cured meats, and sleek graphite edge mark the nose, with high notes of warm spices. Complex, grainy tannin and concentrated flavour, with some succulent, stemmy grip. Acidity from the cooler vintage gives real focus in the finish.

Maturation

Matured for 12 months in 500L barrels produced in Burgundy and custom made for the various vineyards. Tighter grained oak is preferred for subtle flavour, with longer seasoning and slower, lower temperature toasting. New oak comprises 27%. The wine is racked to stainless steel tanks for another 6 months of élevage. No fining and filtration before bottling.

Tim Atkin: 93/100
Granum hails from a rocky, south-facing site and marries Syrah with 23% Mourvèdre. Peppery, savoury and still quite tight, even in a hot year like 2016, this is stony, compact and layered, with meaty, black olive and tapenade flavours and a spine of tannin. 2021-28

Platter’s: ****(*) / 93/100
Cellar as adept with Rhône varieties as Burgundy grapes. Shiraz with 23% mourvèdre, on iron-rich granite (as name suggests), 2016 shows fynbos, dark wild berries & distinctively earthy slate notes. Well-managed supple tannins for access, longevity.

Perswijn 16,5/20
Kruiden, kersen, zwoel, tabak, pruimen. Stevig, sap, mooie tannine, jeugdig.