Jordan

2007 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

100% Merlot

Vineyards

The Merlot was harvested from east- and west-facing 8 – 18 year old vineyards, situated on decomposed granite soils. The maturity of these vineyards ensures smaller berries with concentrated fruit flavours.

Harvest Date

The grapes were harvested between 15^th February and 16^th March 2007 at 22.9 – 24.9°B.

Winemaking

Fermented in overhead retort-shaped, stainless steel fermentors at 26-28°C. Pump- overs were done three times daily over the fermenting cap. A small portion received extended maceration while the remainder was pressed immediately after fermentation. The wine was racked into barrels from the second week of March where it underwent malolactic fermentation. After further racking it spent 18 months in new and second fill 225 litre French oak barrels.

Tasting Notes

Mature vineyards yield opulent fruit with plum, rich blackberry and mocha flavours.  Framed by generously rounded tannins and spiciness from maturation in French oak, this wine is seductive from start to finish.

Analysis

Alc: 14.0         TA: 6.7g/l         pH: 3.39         RS: 2.2g/l