Newton Johnson, Family Vineyards 'Granum' Syrah / Mourvedre

The foremost feature of the Upper Hemel-en-Aarde Valley appellation is the outcrop of weathered Granite soil that is exclusive in the Cape South Coast. This iron rich granite is found in diverse size and texture due to the various stages of cooling when the magma formed this parent rock. GRANUM is grown exclusively on sites of higher density plantings and Echalas–trained (vine trained on its own wooden stake) vines of Syrah and Mourvèdre. The most rugged of these are found at the very bottom of the Newton Johnson farm. Granite soil is known to bear fresh, precise and aromatic wines and is a perfect match for these varieties. After a few years in the pipeline, they took the decision to release the first edition of this estate red from the very worthy 2012 vintage. It carries their own typical approach of soft handling in the cellar and a generous use of whole bunches and stems to mark definition and length.

TASTING NOTES Glowing and luxuriant. Sophisticated black and red fruits mark the superabundance of this epic red vintage. Graphite, fennel seed, warm spice and freshly turned earth render finer detail. Intricate tannin structure, fine and powdery to assertive grip, restrain the rich flavour in to a long and savoury finish.