Newton Johnson

The Newton Johnson family has been at the heart of Cape winemaking for many years, but only recently took the plunge in setting up its own estate. The choice of the cool, coastal region of Walker Bay reflects the family's twin passions of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir - as well as giving brothers Bevan and Gordy time to indulge their surfing obsession.

Their decision to also plant some Syrah and Mourvedre in the region may have raised a few eyebrows initially, but their faith has been born out by the peppery Rhone-like wine that has resulted. It is a far cry from the usual fruit-bomb New World Shirazes, and is all the better for it.