James Downe was heralded as Tim Atkin's Grower of the Year in his 2019 SA report. His skill combined with the winemaking prowess of Gordon and Nadia from Newton Johnson has resulted in an exceptional set of wines. Each is a benchmark in its category, exuding confidence and character.
Elgin is established as a premier SA Chardonnay appellation, and the maiden Shannon Oscar Browne 2020 must be one of the best. Burgundian-like in its focus with a visceral backbone, it has immense fruit depth with a low pH of 3.01, which suggests excellent maturation potential. This exceptional Chardonnay, made using 3 different clones, spent 11 months in French oak barriques and possesses 'great definition, texture and verve', writes Christian Eedes.
The Shannon Mount Bullet is the king of SA Merlot. The 2019 is an elegant and refined blend of French and Italian clones. 'Lithe and harmonious', says Christian, who rates it 95 points. Aromatics of restrained dark berry fruit, florals, graphite, and savoury bouquet garni offer a complex introduction, leading to a structure defined by tannins that are impressively dry, detailed and long. This is pure class.
