Full Stop Rock 2022

Newton Johnson, fact sheet (newtonjohnson.com – linket fra newtonjohnson.com, hentet 2026-10-18): 2022 Newton Johnson Full Stop Rock – område: Upper Hemel-en-Aarde Valley; 81% Syrah, 15% Grenache, 4% Mourvèdre; alkohol 14.1%. Producentens noter (engelsk): Background: The lowest plateau of the Newton Johnson farm is ideally suited to Rhône/Mediterranean grape varieties. Ancient alluvial deposits of large stone fragments up to two metres deep require strong vines to search for nutrients and water. ‘FULL STOP ROCK’ is how we define this jagged landscape. 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. We were encouraged to discover clear-cut, invigorating wines with compact black fruit, spice, perfume, and fine tannin structure . Location & climate: The main vineyard contingent to this wine lies mostly on the lowest slopes and bottom plateau, at altitudes of 225 to 245m, in the porphyritic granite soils of the Upper Hemel -en-Aarde Valley. This appellation ranges from 4 to 8 km in proximity to the Atla ntic Ocean. The climate is cool and temperate, where parallel mountain ranges channel the southerly oceangoing winds through the appellation during the summer. These southerly winds in turn create regular sea mists and overcast conditions, moderating the t emperatures in the valley. The annual rainfall is 910mm, with 50% falling in the winter months (May – August). Vintage: Growing Season & Harvesting The growing season was preceded by a glorious Winter for vine dormancy. Abundant rain from May through to August and 45 chilling portions to a late budbreak in mid -September, ensured an even budbreak and good fertility in the vines. An exceptionally cool Spring produced late flowering from mid to late November, with a storm system causing some wind damage during flowering on 25 t h November. As December passed into January, the rain disappeared and the sun came out, producing a dry and warmer ripening period for the grapes. The drawn out growing season still culminated in an average ripening period of 107 days from flowering to harvest for both the Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Abundant yields were observed in all varieties and excellent health of the bunches from the drier conditions. The Chardonnay was harvested from selected parcels on the farm from 23 r d February to 10 t h March. […]