2016 Newton Johnson Granum Family Vineyards

Blackberry lozenges and black pepper, a little bit of sweet wood spice and a herbal, garrigue character that locally they call `fynbos`, after the shrubs that carpet the Cape wilderness. There is a sweet edge to the fruit that does evoke the South African sun, but also the cool, serious character of the cold Atlantic winds and the granitic soils of the highest reach of the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley. Subtle and complex, delicious and classy, with as much meat and herb as there is fruit. An immensely rewarding bottle. (NT 18/02/2021) The final vintage produced of this wine, still beautiful at 9 years of age, with upside remaining. More Cornas than Cote Rotie - the rocky field where these vines are planted is warm enough to ripen Mourvedre, after all. Ridiculously excellent value. (JH 09/10/2025)