Waterford Estate, The Jem 2015 MAGNUM
Waterford Estate’s flagship wine and raison d’être. The Jem blends 8 estate-grown varietals to create the ultimate expression of Waterford’s terroir.
Inviting aromatics of rich dark chocolate and plum fruit, with additional layers of earthy tones, clove spice, crushed violets and a combination of dark, red berries.
Sensationally complex, elegant and focussed.
£324.80
Stellenbosch
Red Blend
LightFull Bodied
Description
TASTING NOTE
A wine that truly expresses our underlying philosophy at Waterford Estate, by reflecting the diversity and exceptional fruit of the farm. Inviting aromatics of rich dark chocolate and plum fruit, with additional layers of earthy tones, clove spice, crushed violets and a combination of dark, red berries. The palate is well balanced and effortlessly complements the aromatics. Coated with velvety tannins which provide fullness, and a natural acidity that adds vibrance and elegance to the lasting finish. Displaying a classic dry profile, generosity on the palate, and texture that fully represents its heritage.
VARIETALS
48% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Shiraz, 9% Mourvedre, 6% Petit Verdot, 5% Merlot, 4% Cabernet franc, 3% Sangiovese, 3% Barbera
VINEYARD
All the components of the The Jem, are from vineyards grown at Waterford Estate. The farm includes 48 hectares of vineyards, that stretch throughout the property, offering distinct soil composition and several varietals. The mountainous region and the proximity to two oceans, provide a warm temperature by day and a uniquely cool temperature at night.
VINTAGE REVIEW
The 2015 vintage in Stellenbosch is described by Winemaker Mark le Roux as a vintage with seamless purity and palate texture. A moderate ripening season provided fruit with tension and natural acidity. The wines are characterised by savoury fruit, exotic spice and classic earthy aromas, with refined tannins.
Winter was cut a little short with temperatures rising quickly in August, creating a longer growing season. Perfect conditions, which were windless, warm and dry, were experienced during flowering and early stages of vine growth.
ON RELEASE 5 YEAR
Dark ruby, with a Morello cherry rim.
Expressing soft worn leather, cocoa bean, blackberries, cloves, black peppercorn and charcoal silk cherries and warm spiced red fruit in the end note remain crafted on the finish.
EVOLUTION AFTER 10 YEARS
This wine displays consistently in terms of its colour and expression, but with evolutionary notes of Cuban cigars and spiced cedar, mulberry and damson fruit and the further exploration of the clove and pepper spice. The wine remains youthful and poised with elegant silky tannins which grip the palate.
EVOLUTION AFTER 15 YEARS
Chocolate and liquorice, with a hint of incense, and forest floor. Cherry, leather and blackberries are constant with wonderful clove and Indonesian spices. The wine remains generous and youthful, driven through the grape first, ensuring longevity and ageing potential.
AWARDS
- Platter’s Wine Guide 2023: 5 stars
- Gilbert & Gaillard International Awards 2023: Double Gold
- Cathay Hong Kong International Wine & Spirit Competition 2021: Gold
- Decanter World Wine Awards 2021: 94 points
- Platter’s Wine Guide 2021: 5 stars
- Winemag.co.za SA Wine Rating 2021: 96 points
- Tim Atkin MW Special Report 2020: 96 points
Additional information
| Grape | Red Blend |
|---|---|
| Vintage | 2015 |
| Wine Farm | |
| Alcohol | 13.4% |
This wine can be paired with beef, lamb, pork and spicy food.
5 reviews for Waterford Estate, The Jem 2015 MAGNUM
Location
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96 points | Tim Atkin MW Special South Africa Report 2020
“Ambitiously priced, and rightly so given the wine’s track record, The Jem is based on Cabernet Sauvignon, with the other 52% made up of Shiraz, Mourvèdre, Petit Verdot, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Sangiovese and Barbera. Herbal, earthy, spicy and dense, with considerable concentration and power, notes of green herbs, red berries, damson, fresh tobacco and Mediterranean spices. 2023-30”
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Double Gold Medal (94 points) | Gilbert & Gaillard International Challenge 2023
“Brick red. Tea-leaf and spice on the nose. Sour cherry and red berry fruit on the layered palate with a dark berry and chocolate note on the aftertaste. Drink through 2028.”
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Silver Medal (94 points) | Decanter World Wine Awards 2021
“Savoury and spicy; fireside embers, cedar, cigars, baked plum. Swathes of ripe tannins. Rich but not heavy; impressive.”
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96 points | Platter’s Wine Guide 2023
“Celebrating 10 releases of this stellar blend. Mostly Cabernet Sauvignon & Shiraz (48/22) with 6 of estate’s 11 black grapes. Svelte & seamlessly blanced, with complex layers of flavour: savoury, dark fruit & chocolate, polished leather& cocoa. Sophisticated charm, with balance that augurs well for longevity.”
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96 points | Chris Eedes for Winemag.co.za
“The Jem, the apex wine from Stellenbosch property Waterford in Stellenbosch, is based on the intriguing proposition of using as many different varieties as possible to unlock the truth of its terroir rather than using any pre-existing template, be that “Bordeaux”, “Rhône” or whatever.
The 2015 vintage is a triumph. Consisting of 48% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Shiraz, 9% Mourvèdre, 6% Petit Verdot, 5% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc, 3% Sangiovese and 3% Barbera, it was matured for 22 months in 225-litre French oak barrels, 33% new.
The nose shows red and black berries, flowers, herbs, pencil shavings and spice while the palate is pure, fresh, layered and long. Great structure in the sense that fruit, acidity and fine tannins combine seamlessly. Wonderfully subtle and nuanced, those eight different component varieties as grown on this particular site making for a whole that is very much more than the sum of its parts. Still very youthful and should mature with benefit for many years to come.”
Chris Eedes for Winemag.co.za –