2023 Newton Johnson Albariño
£19.50
“Smoky, salty and brisk with a firm acid line, this is like a cold dip in the sea followed by a plate of oysters on ice. Sour pear, lemon zest and green apple lead into a marine-accented finish. Tensile and hugely refreshing, this is the equal of many Rías Baixas Albariño and the 2023 is particularly good. An immaculate rendition of the variety, this is the 10th release of Albariño from Bevan Newton Johnson, who is eager for Sauvignon Blanc drinkers to try this. ‘The fruit character is similar, but Albariño provides better texture,’ he says, although it will appeal more to Sancerre drinkers than Marlborough fans. Fruit comes from three vineyards planted in granite and clay soils in the Upper Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, some of which are just 4km from the sea. Fermented using wild yeasts in stainless steel with some concrete egg and foudres, this is aged in those same vessels for seven months prior to bottling.”
93 Points, Jason Millar, Decanter
Vineyards planted in 2011 and 2012. Fermented in concrete, aged on lees in stainless steel and old oak. A far cooler vintage than 2022.
“A little more restrained than 2022, but still the acidity is ripe and vibrant – peaches and baobab fruit. Stunning length, and a little prickle of rosemary. More stony in the middle (than the 2022), but starburst luminosity and asterism. Kaleidoscopic. Bevan Newton Johnson’s Albariño goes from strength to strength.”
17.5/20 Tamlyn Currin for Jancis Robinson MW
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Product Description
Albariño grape has its origins on the wet and cool Atlantic north-west coast of Spain and Portugal, where monks are fabled to have brought it from the Rhine River in central Europe on their pilgrimages centuries before. Its native soil is of Granite origin, similar to ours, where it expresses subliminal definition, almost Riesling-like florality and complexity.
In 2013 this became the first Albariño to be made in South Africa after the Newton Johnson family imported the vine material of this fragrant variety to the Cape with designs on establishing a familiar home for it in the favourable maritime conditions of the Upper Hemelen-Aarde Valley. The grape has its origins on the wet and cool Atlantic north-west coast of Spain and Portugal, where monks are fabled to have brought it from the Rhine River in central Europe on their pilgrimages centuries before. Its native soil is of Granite origin, similar to ours, where it expresses subliminal definition, almost Riesling-like florality and complexity.
An opulent concentration of crisp and complex fruit and redolent white flowers. The pungent base of ripe limes, tangy nectarine and quince fruit is softened with a mealy beeswax character. Drifting scents of apple blossom and honeydew deliver some alluring top notes. The waxy texture envelops the palate, succulent fruit in the middle, and the flavour protracted by refreshing acidity in the finish.
Additional Information
| ABV | 13.5% |
|---|---|
| Bottle Size | Bottle 75cl |
| Colour | White |
| Country | South Africa |
| Critic Score | 93/100 |
| Drink until | 2030 |
| Style | Still |
| Sweetness | Dry |
| Vintage | 2023 |
