Jordan

1998 Jordan Chardonnay

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 styles.

Variety

100% Chardonnay.

Vineyards

Harvested from mature vineyards (10 – 13years old) of selected Davis and Burgundian clones. The vineyards are situated on cooler south and east-facing slopes (250-310m above sea level). Vertical hedge trellising and low yields ensure a complex concentration of flavours. The vineyards are unirrigated.

Harvest Date

The grapes were harvested between 31 January and 18 February 1998 at between 22.5º and 24.4º Balling.

Winemaking

The juice was barrel-fermented in a selection of 228 litre Burgundy-shaped French oak barrels (65% new and 35% second- and third-fill Nevers and Burgundian oak barrels from selected French cooperages). The wine was matured “sur lie” in the barrel for 6½ months with occasional “batonage” to accentuate the leesy character. 60% of the Chardonnay underwent malo-lactic fermentation in the barrel. 20% tank-fermented Chardonnay was blended with the barrel-fermented wine to ensure a good balance of citrus flavours.

Tasting Notes

A barrel-fermented Chardonnay. Full creamy/citrus flavours with an elegant, well-balanced, rich, toasty finish.

Analysis

Alc: 13.5%,  TA: 6.0g/l,  pH: 3.32,  RS: 3g/l