Herbal, earthy, spicy and dense, with considerable concentration and power.
Tim Atkin MW
The Jem, Waterford Estate
Waterford Estate's flagship blend, named after owner Jeremy Ord, or 'Jem'. This is a blend of different red varietals that represent the very best of the vintage at the estate.
Inviting aromatics of rich dark chocolate and plum fruit, with additional layers of earthy tones, clove spice, crushed violets and a combination of dark, red berries. The palate is well balanced, coated with velvety tannins which provide fullness, and a natural acidity that adds vibrance and elegance to the lasting finish. A blend of 48% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Shiraz, 9% Mourvèdre, 6% Petit Verdot, 5% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc, 3% Sangiovese, 3% Barbera.
Technical analysis
ALCOHOL
14.4 %
RESIDUAL SUGAR
2.5 g/L
pH
3.64
ACIDITY
5.4 g/L
ORIGIN
South Africa
WINEMAKER
Mark Le Roux
VARIETY
Red Blend
MALOLACTIC FERMENTATION
Yes
CLOSURE
Cork
BOTTLE SIZE
75cl
REGION
Stellenbosch
VEGETARIAN
Yes
VEGAN
Yes
Vintage conditions
The 2015 vintage in Stellenbosch is described by winemaker Mark Le Roux as a vintage with seamless purity and palate texture. A moderate ripening season provided fruit with tension and natural acidity. The wines are characterised by savoury fruit, exotic spice and classic earthy aromas, with refined tannins. Winter was cut a little short with temperatures rising quickly in August, creating a longer growing season. Perfect conditions, which were windless, warm and dry, were experienced during flowering and early stages of vine growth.
Tasting video
With winemaker Mark Le Roux.
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... a scented, glossy, beautifully-weighted cuvée that has wonderful texture and mouthfeel, fine tannins and wild herb scents.
Tim Atkin MWThe Jem, Waterford Estate
Waterford Estate's flagship blend, named after owner Jeremy Ord, or 'Jem'. This is a blend of different red varietals that represent the very best of the vintage at the estate.
Intriguing aromatics of fresh fruit, wild spice, warmth and complexity complimented by the well-layered and integrated tannins to offer an elegant yet long-lasting finish that is classically dry and rewarding. A blend of 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Shiraz, 14% Cabernet Franc, 6% Merlot, 6% Petit Verdot, 4% Mourvèdre, 3% Sangiovese and 2% Barbera.
Technical analysis
ALCOHOL
14.6 %
RESIDUAL SUGAR
2.8 g/L
pH
3.46
ACIDITY
5.4 g/L
ORIGIN
South Africa
WINEMAKER
Mark Le Roux
VARIETY
Red Blend
TIME IN OAK
19 months
MALOLACTIC FERMENTATION
Yes
CLOSURE
Cork
BOTTLE SIZE
75cl
REGION
Stellenbosch
VEGETARIAN
Yes
VEGAN
Yes
Vintage conditions
It was a good, long winter, but late rains and cold delayed the pruning. Great windless conditions experienced during flowering resulted in a high yielding vintage. February temperatures were extremely hot pushing ripening, which made for a quick harvest especially for white wines and resulted in the highest recorded tonnages for Waterford Estate to date. Whites were challenging but the red wines have impressed.
Vinification details
After vinification the wine spent 19 months in 32% new, 225L French oak barrels.
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