variety : Merlot [ 100% Merlot ]
winemaker : Gary Jordan
wine of origin : Stellenbosch
analysis : alc : 14.5 % vol rs : 1.8 g/l pH : 3.45 ta : 6.3 g/l so2 : 2.0 mg/l fso2 : 1.0 mg/l
type : Red style : Dry body : Medium
pack : Bottle size : 750ml closure : Screwcap
in the vineyard :
LOCATION & CLIMATE: The distinct ravine which embodies Stellenbosch Kloof harnesses all the qualities of a well-orientated compass. Varying elevations and aspects allows us to grow a selection of classic varieties to specific sites that optimise this expression through their location. The cooler south- and east-facing aspects, unique in Stellenbosch, hosts the more sensitive and aromatic white-skinned grape varieties.
Stellenbosch Kloof enjoys a cooler Mediterranean climate with mari-time influences from False Bay, 14km to the south, and a refreshing breeze channelled from the West Coast’s Benguela current 24km to the north-west. These two breezes culminate at the top end of the ravine and bring in early morning mists, especially from False Bay. Consequently, temperatures in our meso-climate can be measured at least 3° Celsius cooler than inland Stellenbosch during ripening peri-ods. This adds a unique characteristic to Jordan wines.
APPELLATION: Wine of Origin Stellenbosch.
SOIL: Decomposed granite and loam.
ASPECT: West-facing vineyards,
AGE OF VINES: 10 years
in the cellar :
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 wine was not aged in barrel as this is a micro-oxidative process, so to protect the wine from oxidation it was aged on its lees on oak staves for 7 months before bottling. No sulphur was added during the course of vinification.