Jordan, The Long Fuse Cabernet Sauvignon 2022

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.

To create the perfect soil environment for our Cabernet Sauvignon vineyards, many large, sub-surface granite boulders were excavated and blown up with dynamite. One of the boulders required over 300 charges, necessitating a very long fuse.

TASTING NOTES
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 classic essences of cedar, brambles, and toasted tobacco.

HARVESTING
The grapes were harvested between the 28th March and 8th April 2022 at 23.5°B.

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.

WINEMAKING
Fermented in overhead retort-shaped, stainless steel fermentors. Pump-overs were done three times daily during fermentation. Selected tanks received extended maceration on the skins after fermentation. The use of gravity and gentle pressing ensure full-flavoured wines with soft, balanced tannins. The wine was racked into barrels where it underwent malolactic fermentation.  After further racking it spent 18 months in new and used French oak barrels, before being lightly filtered prior to bottling.

APPELLATION: Wine of Origin Stellenbosch
SOIL: Glenrosa and Hutton
ASPECT: West and north-facing slopes between 200-240 above sea level.
AGE OF VINES: 35 – 37 years old.
CLONES: CS163, CS27, CS14, CS46
BLEND: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon

ANALYSIS:
Alc: 13.5%
Total Acid: 5.8g/l
pH: 3.66
Residual Sugar: 2.3g/l

Additional information

• Ribeye steak or grilled beef
• Lamb chops
• Roasted winter vegetables
• Mature cheeses or game meat