Chameleon

1998 Jordan Chameleon Chardonnay/Sauvignon Blanc

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

Chardonnay (72%) Sauvignon Blanc (28%).

Vineyards

The Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc grapes were selected from vineyards between 10 and 15 years in age.

Harvest Date

The Chardonnay was harvested between 31 January and 18 February 1998. Sauvignon Blanc harvested between 28 January and 11 February 1998.

Winemaking

The Sauvignon Blanc was tank-fermented to retain the intense varietal character, and blended with tank-fermented Chardonnay that had received extended lees contact to create a fruity wine with a creamy finish. A small percentage of the Chardonnay was barrel-fermented to add a spicy complexity to the blend.

Tasting Notes

A blend of 72% Chardonnay and 28% Sauvignon Blanc. The origin of the unusual name “Chameleon” is twofold: not only are these vineyards home to so many Cape Dwarf Chameleons, but the wine also shows the changing characteristics of both grassy Sauvignon Blanc and citrussy Chardonnay.

Analysis

Alc: 13.5%,  TA: 5.9g/l,  pH: 3.3,  RS: 2.7g/l