Chameleon

1998 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

61% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 19% 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 10 year old vineyards at 23.0° - 24.8° Balling between 14 and 25 March 1998, and the Merlot was harvested at 24° Balling between 18 and 25 February 1998. The Cabernet Franc was harvested on 24 March 1998 at 24.5° Balling.

Winemaking

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

 (The Cabernet Franc spent 7-8 months in the barrel, the Merlot 12-18 months and the Cabernet Sauvignon 19 months, respectively.)

Tasting Notes

A blend of 61% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot and 19% 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: 13.6%,  TA: 5.6g/l,  pH: 3.7,  RS: 2.5g/l