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
Toby Hughes

Toby had this 2 years ago

Toby had this 2 years ago

Nov 15th, 2022
Toby Hughes

Toby had this 3 years ago

Toby had this 3 years ago

May 29th, 2021
Stef Van Der Vorst

Stef had this 4 years ago

Stef had this 4 years ago

Dec 6th, 2020
Stef Van Der Vorst

Stef had this 5 years ago

Stef had this 5 years ago

Mar 18th, 2020
Toby Hughes

Toby had this 5 years ago

Toby had this 5 years ago

Nov 6th, 2019
Willem Booij

Willem had this 7 years ago

Willem had this 7 years ago

Feb 6th, 2018
Javier Alonso

Javier had this 8 years ago

Javier had this 8 years ago

Feb 19th, 2017
Victor

Victor had this 8 years ago

Victor had this 8 years ago

Oct 11th, 2016