2021 Vintage | Malbec 35%, Cab Franc 33%, Petit Verdot 32%
v.2020 94 pts. - Tim Atkin
v.2020 Silver - Decanter
The Ultimate Expression of the winery's Terroir. A limited-release wine, honouring the Jordan family heritage as master cobblers.
The palate is richly-layered and intriguing, with a variety of opulent flavours including blackcurrant and Sichuan pepper. The 18 months of barrel ageing adds viscosity and spice on the finish.
The Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc were harvested from the west-facing, Cobblers Hill vineyard, situated on decomposed granite soils. A selection of the best barrels was made and the wine spent a total of 24 months in 225 litre French oak barrels. Complex dark chocolate, black cherry and cassis intertwine with opulent blackberry fruit, and hints of mint and toasty vanilla. This is a big mouth-filling wine, with densely layered ripe tannins and excellent balance – the ultimate expression of the winery's terroir.
Vines are 28 years old.
Gary and Kathy Jordan have been making world-class wines at this top wine estate since 1993 on a farm with a history going back over 300 years. Together this husband and wife team is a phenomenon. Gary’s parents Ted and Sheelagh bought the 164 hectare Stellenbosch property in 1982 and embarked on an extensive replanting program specializing in classic varieties suited to the different soils and slopes.
Progressive techniques such as overhead fermenters, pump-overs and gravity flow allow for the extraction of fully-developed flavours and soft ripe tannins without compensating the tension and elegance captured from the various Cabernet slopes. Here especially, the climate plays a significant role to allow great fruit expression and its classic essences of cedar, brambles and toasted tobacco.
The distinct ravine which embodies Stellenbosch Kloof harnesses all the qualities of a well-orientated compass. Varying elevations and aspects allows us to grow a selection of classic varieties to specific sites that optimize this expression through their location. The cooler south- and east-facing aspects, unique in Stellenbosch, hosts the more sensitive and aromatic white-skinned grape varieties.
Stellenbosch Kloof enjoys a cooler Mediterranean climate with maritime influences from False Bay, 14km to the south, and a refreshing breeze channeled from the West Coast’s Benguela current 24km to the north-west. These two breezes culminate at the top end of the ravine and bring in early morning mists, especially from False Bay. Consequently, temperatures in our meso-climate can be measured at least 3° Celsius cooler than inland Stellenbosch during ripening periods. This adds a unique characteristic to Jardin wines.
Visit Winery Site: www.JordanWines.com
Decanter Magazine article about this winery