Jordan, Nine Yards Chardonnay 2023

Description

Gary and Kathy Jordan have been making world-class wines since 1993 on a farm with a history going back over 300 years. He’s a geologist, she’s an economist. Gary’s parents, Ted and Sheelagh, bought the now 164-hectare Stellenbosch property in 1982, and embarked on an extensive replanting programme, specializing in classic varieties suited to the different soils and slopes. Unique by Nature’s Design.

The Ultimate Expression of Jordan Terroir. The Nine Yards Chardonnay is made is in a reserve style, from barrel selection from Jordan’s best vineyard site. Stylistically different to their Jordan Barrel Fermented Chardonnay, with this wine they went “The whole nine yards”!

TASTING NOTES
A style characterised by refreshing linear acidity and mouthfilling fruit textures. Classic Nine Yards flavours with lime citrus and fragrant oak spice.

LOCATION & CLIMATE
The distinct ravine which embodies Stellenbosch Kloof harness all the qualities of a well orientated compass. Varying elevations and aspects allow us to grow a selection of classic varieties to specific sites that optimise 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 Jordan wines.

HARVESTING
The grapes for the Nine Yards Chardonnay were harvested between the 15th and 28th February 2023.

WINEMAKING
Crushed and pressed immediately after de-stemming, the juice was barrel-fermented in traditional 228-litre French oak barrels (77% new and 23% second) from selected Burgundian cooperages (Damy, Chassin, and Rousseau). The barrels were inoculated with a selection of French yeast. A percentage of the wine went through natural fermentation. The wine was matured “sur lie” for 9 months, with regular barrel-rolling to accentuate the rich, leesy character.

APPELLATION: Wine of Origin Stellenbosch
SOIL: Decomposed granite (Hutton and Glenrosa soil form).
ASPECT: East-facing, 250 – 280m above sea level.
AGE OF VINES: 33 years old.
CLONES:Burgundian & Davis
BLEND: 100% Chardonnay

ANALYSIS:
Alc: 13%
Total Acid: 6.2g/l
pH: 3.37
Residual Sugar: 2.9g/l

Additional information

Pairs well with a range of foods, including rich seafood like grilled salmon, and light meats such as poultry and veal. Its buttery and citrus notes also complement creamy dishes like risotto and pasta, as well as creamy cheeses.