Jordan

2009 The Outlier (Barrel Fermented 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

100 % Sauvignon Blanc.

Vineyards

The vineyards are situated on a geological outlier – underlying quartzite formations are surrounded by 600 million-year old granite. The south -facing vineyards are 9 – 27 years old and from 220m to 365m above sea level.

Harvest Date

The grapes were harvested between 23^rd February and 18^th March 2009.

Winemaking

The grapes received 6 – 10 hours skin contact before being gently pressed in a “pneumatic” tank press. After inoculation the juice was fermented in 60% new and 40% second-fill barrels (mostly Nevers and Alliers with a 10% American Oak barrel selection to add a spicy character). The wine spent 8 months “sur lie” with occasional “batonage” to accentuate the leesy character. 28% tank-fermented Sauvignon Blanc was added to the blend.

Tasting Notes

Our endeavor to produce a benchmark Sauvignon Blanc is expressed in this unique wine. Ripe fig, gooseberry and tropical fruit flavours are complemented by the gentle smoky vanilla nuances of oak, a true “outlier”.

Analysis

Alc: 13.0%         TA: 6.0g/l         pH: 3.40         RS: 2.0g/l