Waterford Estate, The Jem 2017

Description

PHILOSOPHY
At Waterford Estate, we embrace the harmonious collaboration between nature and the delicate balance of artistry and science to create truly authentic fine wines. Our wines embody a profound sense of place, culture, and an unwavering dedication to excellence. With a deep-rooted belief in transcending boundaries, we craft wines that offer a sensory journey, capturing the true essence of the Helderberg Mountain’s terroir.

A World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Conservation Champion and accredited Integrated Production of Wine (IPW) estate, Waterford also has Wine and Agricultural Ethical Trade Association (WIETA) accreditation and is a member of the Biodiversity in Wine Initiative (BWI).

VINTAGE REVIEW
In the third year of drought in the Western Cape, the impact on mountain flora and dam levels is clear. Despite modest winter rainfall, favourable conditions followed, leading to healthy vineyards and concentrated bunches. Smaller berries added to the concentration. Wines are classically styled with firm tannins and pleasing acidity. The forthcoming reds promise to be a captivating subject of discussion.

CULTIVARS
50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23%, Shiraz, 7%, Merlot, 6%, Mourvèdre, 5%, Sangiovese, 4%, Cabernet Franc, 3%, Petit Verdot & 2%, Barbera

VINEYARD
The rich diversity of soils across the expansive 120-hectare farm has provided Waterford Estate with an exceptional opportunity to cultivate 11 distinct red varietals that are well-suited to our diverse terroir. Embracing the influence of Italian, French, and Spanish varietals, we have carefully planted these cultivars to showcase the unique character of these influential varietals.

VINIFICATION
All the components are vinified as individual batches. About 6 months after fermentation, the blend is made up and aged as a blend for 20 months in total with two rackings in between, the early blending gives the blend the most time to integrate and produce a coherent wine. This careful approach ensures a perfectly balanced and harmonious final product.

MATURATION
Aged in 225L and 300L French oak barrels, 35% new oak.

TASTING NOTES
ON RELEASE (Date tasted: September 2023)
The Jem embodies the philosophy of Waterford Estate, reflecting the diversity and unique character of South African people and Winelands. The intricacy of the nose showcases the complexity of The Jem blend, revealing clean Bordeaux-based characteristics of dark and red fruit, intertwined with herbaceous Fynbos, vanilla oak, crushed violets, and clove spice notes that enhance the complexity and allure. The palate harmoniously complements the aromatics with a well-balanced touch. Wrapped in velvety tannins that lend fullness and complemented by natural acidity, which imparts vibrancy and elegance to the enduring mineral finish. The wine presents a classic dry profile, palate generosity, and a texture that fully embodies its heritage.
EVOLUTION AFTER 10 YEARS
This wine displays consistently in terms of its colour and expression, but with subtle evolutionary notes of Cuban cigars and spiced cedar, mulberry and damson fruit leads to further exploration of the clove and pepper spice. The wine remains youthful and poised on the palate with elegant silky tannins further lengthening the finish.
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 showcasing depth and complexity with each passing year. The balance of the wine is on show here as the integration of the tannins seamlessly complements the still youthful acidity.

AGEING POTENTIAL
5 – 25 years from production

WINE ANAYSIS
Alc 14.1%
TA 5.08 g/L
RS 1.5 g/L
pH 3.55

Additional information

This wine can be paired with beef, lamb, pork and spicy food.