Nadia Newton Johnson’s maiden release is a culmination of her love affair with Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. With decades of experience, and having called Hemel-en-Aarde home since 2006, it was time to express herself. The result is a small batch of her captivating Hearth Swinsian Chardonnay and Artjesvlei Pinot Noir.
The Hearth Artjesvlei Pinot 2022 joins the ranks of the very best in the country, with a beguiling nose followed by a complex, layered and ever-changing palate. The Hearth Swinsian Chardonnay 2022 is a knockout if you enjoy energetic, savoury whites. It’s toasty and offers preserved lemon saltiness and a lingering, pointed finish. But move quickly – only 500 litres were produced!
The Swinsian Chardonnay 2022 captures the visceral tension of the south-facing vineyard, planted in 2006 at 280m above sea level in the Upper Hemel-en-Aarde. Once the grapes were crushed and fermented, the wine was allowed to go through malolactic and spent 11 months in oak, 30% new.
Planted in 2008 on a south-facing slope, Artjesvlei holds a special place in Nadia’s heart as it was her first experience of planning and planting a vineyard. From decomposed granite over clay, her 2022 Pinot sees 15% whole-bunch fermentation, with 30% well-integrated new oak.
Tasting Notes:
Hearth Swinsian Chardonnay 2022
‘Grapes from the Upper Hemel-en-Aarde Valley called Siberia, originally planted by Tokara. Matured for 11 months in barrel, 30% new. Full malolactic fermentation. Lemon, a hint of orange, oatmeal and some yeasty complexity on the nose. The palate has good depth of fruit, a creamy texture, well integrated acidity and a gently savoury finish. Alc: 13%.’ – Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za, 93/100
‘Made with grapes purchased from Tokara’s vineyard in the Upper Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, this is a late-ripening Chardonnay at 280 metres. Fermented in 30% new wood, it has toasty, smoky overtones, some underlying ferrous grip, pear and orange peel flavours and plenty of supporting acidity.’ – Tim Atkin MW, SA Special Report 2024, 92/100
Hearth Artjesvlei Pinot Noir 2022
‘Hearth is a new project from Nadia Newton Johnson that has set the bar high in its maiden vintage. Made with grapes from a cooler, south-facing slope, it’s engagingly floral and ethereal, with scents of pepper and potpourri, fine-boned tannins, subtle 30% new oak and flavours of red berry, hibiscus and rooibos tea.’ – Tim Atkin MW, SA Special Report 2024, 95/100
‘Grapes from a south-facing vineyard on decomposed granite and clay. 15% whole-bunch fermentation; 30% new oak. Red cherry, a trace of musk, cured meat and white pepper on the nose. The palate is voluptuous – the fruit is deep and sweet, the acidity bright and the tannins powdery, the finish long and gently savoury. Alc: 14%.’ – Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za, 95/100
