Stephen Tanzer Rates Jordan Wine Estate’s 2011 CWG Auction Wines as ‘Outstanding’
Stephen Tanzer, editor and publisher of the critically acclaimed bimonthly International Wine Cellar, an independent journal read by wine professionals and wine lovers in 34 countries, has recommended both Jordan wines on offer at the 2011 Cape Winemakers Guild (CWG) Auction, rating them ‘outstanding.’ http://www.wineaccess.com/expert/tanzer
2010 Jordan CWG Auction Chardonnay – Score: 92
This iconic Chardonnay was traditionally made in 228 litre Burgundian oak barriques using natural yeast from the Nine Yards Chardonnay vineyard. Twelve months oak maturation and regular barrel rolling to accentuate the rich, leesy character intensifies the minerally, lemon-lime flavours and hints of butterscotch and vanilla. The full, rich mouthfeel and balanced oak integrates superbly with the tropical fruit finish.
“Bright pale-medium yellow. Sexy aromas of citrus peel, smoky oak, marzipan and minerals, complicated by a leesy element. Broad, round and mouthfilling, offering an enticing combination of citrus fruits and oak-driven smoke, spices and butterscotch. Very suave, seamless wine with a plush yet subtle finish displaying excellent length” wrote Steve Tanzer.
2008 Jordan Sophia – Score: 91+
A blend of the best “Cobblers Hill” barrels and a reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, this wine is named “Sophia” after the legendary mother of Faith, Hope and Charity. Representing the characteristics of the three Bordeaux varieties that make up this exceptional wine, (44% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Cabernet Franc and 44% Merlot) the grapes were harvested from the hillside vineyards at Jordan Wine Estate. After pressing, the wine was racked to barrel where it completed a total of 26 months in 225-litre French oak barrels to integrate the rich tannins and add complexity. The philosophy behind the Sophia was to produce a benchmark red blend, classic yet with a new world twist to rival some of the best of Bordeaux. At 13.5%, it is one of the lowest alcohol wines on the 2011 auction.
“Full red. Enticing nose offers plum, blackberry, spices and graphite, along with a whiff of leather. Suave and pliant in the mouth, with insidious acidity giving definition to the dark berry and spice flavors. Still a bit youthfully imploded, but aeration brought complicating notes of herbs, mint and chocolate. This dense wine should evolve slowly in bottle and last well.
(A “+” after a score denotes a wine that is likely to merit a higher rating in the future.)
About Jordan Wine Estate:
Family-owned Jordan Wine Estate, established in 1982, has been transformed to become one of the leading estates in South Africa. Featuring a wine tasting centre, rolling lawns and a world-class restaurant, visitors can relax and enjoy fine Cape wines and local Cape fare surrounded by breathtaking views of the vineyards. Recent awards include Restaurant Eat Out Top 10, Five Nations Trophy and the Trophy for South Africa’s Top Wine Estate at the SA Terroir Wine Awards.
The CWG Auction to be held on Oct. 1 this year at Spier, is open to the public. To register for the auction, visit the Cape Winemakers Guild website at www.capewinemakersguild.com
September 2011
Contact: Jordan Wine Estate info@jordanwines.com
Tel: +27 (0)21 881 3441