Chameleon

2004 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

52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Merlot and 17% Shiraz

Vineyards

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

Harvest Date

The Cabernet Sauvignon was harvested from 9 to 15 year old vineyards at 22.5° - 24.9°B between 11^th March and 7^th April 2004 and the Merlot was harvested at 24°B - 24.6°B between 13^th  and 24^th March 2004. The Shiraz was harvested on 24^th March 2004 at 23.7° B

Winemaking

Fermented in overhead retort-shaped, stainless steel fermentors. Pump-overs were done three times daily during fermentation.  The use of gravity and gentle pressing ensure full-flavoured wines with soft, balanced tannins. The Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Shiraz all underwent malo-lactic fermentation in the barrel. The various portions of the blend spent 14 months in 225 litre French oak barrels (mostly Nevers and Alliers).

Tasting Notes

Rich, plummy Merlot complements the minty, blackcurrant flavours of Cabernet Sauvignon together with dark berry fruit from the Shiraz.

Analysis

Alc: 14%,  TA: 5.6g/l,  pH: 3.63,  RS: 2.3g/l