Chameleon
2005 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
51% Cabernet Sauvignon, 38% Merlot and 11% 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 13 to 19 year old vineyards at 23.3° - 25.4°B between 2nd and 7th March 2005 and the Merlot was harvested between 22.4°B - 24.6°B between 9th and 17th February 2005. The Shiraz was harvested on 10th March 2005 at 25.1° 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 16-18 months in 225 litre French oak barrels (mostly Nevers and Alliers).
Tasting Notes
Rich, plummy Merlot complements the minty, blackcurrant flavours of Cabernet Sauvignon. The peppery, dark berry fruit of the Shiraz adds a spicy complexity to the blend.
Analysis
Alc: 14.0%, TA: 6.4g/l, pH: 3.49, RS: 2.1g/l
Awards
Received 3 ½ stars in the 2009 Platter’s South African Wine Guide