Chameleon

1996 Jordan Chameleon Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot

Description

Spectacular panoramic views of Stellenbosch and Cape Town, cool hillside vineyards planted to classic varieties, and a modern family-run winery have combined to produce distinctive wines displaying the ripe concentrated fruity accessibility of the New World, with the complex elegance of classic wine

Variety

62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 13% Cabernet Franc

Vineyards

The Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot grapes were selected from north and east-facing vineyards situated on decomposed granite and loamy soils. The Cabernet Franc grapes were selected from a west-facing vineyard on deep clay-loam soils.

Harvest Date

The Cabernet Sauvignon was harvested from 9 year old vineyards at 23.3° - 23.9° Balling between 7 and 11 March 1996, and the Merlot was harvested at 24° Balling on 28 February 1996. The Cabernet Franc was harvested on 1 March 1996 at 23.6° Balling.

Winemaking

Fermented in overhead retort-shaped, stainless steel fermentors. Pump-overs done twice daily during fermentation. The Merlot received extended maceration on the skins after fermentation. The use of gravity and gentle pressing ensures full-flavoured wines with soft, balanced tannins. Malo-lactic fermentation was completed in the tank and the various portions of the blend spent between nine and fifteen months in 225 litre French oak barrels (mostly Nevers and Alliers).

Tasting Notes

A blend of 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot and 13% Cabernet Franc. The Merlot portion adds a ripe cherry character to the minty berry flavours of the Cabernet Sauvignon. The Cabernet Franc adds a spiciness to the blend which is balanced by the rich toastiness of French oak. Drinking well now but will benefit from 4-5 years maturation.

Analysis

Alc: 13.19%,  TA: 5.7g/l,  pH: 3.75,  RS: 2.5g/l