Jordan Wines Black Magic Merlot 2021  £20.37

JORDAN WINES BLACK MAGIC MERLOT 

Gary and Kathy Jordan have been making world-class wines at this top wine estate since 1993 on a farm with a history going back over 300 years. Together this husband and wife team is a phenomenon. Gary’s parents, Ted and Sheelagh, bought the 164 hectare Stellenbosch property in 1982, and embarked on an extensive replanting programme, specialising in classic varieties suited to the different soils and slopes.

Unique by nature’s design, the Jordan slopes face North, South, East and West, with vineyards lying at differing altitudes from 160 to 410 meters above sea level. The vineyards benefit from their close proximity to both the Indian and Atlantic Oceans and enjoy a mild, Mediterranean climate with a maritime influence.

The Jordan philosophy combines the vineyards’ natural assets with innovative management, creating a profound expression of terroir. Jordan Wine Estate – the perfect Synergy between Soul and Soil.

The name Merlot is thought to be a diminutive of merle, the French name for the blackbird. At Jordan Wine Estate, our Merlot vineyards are based on Black Tourmaline-rich granite which darkens the soil, leading to perfumed, inky wines.

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 maritime 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 periods. This adds a unique characteristic to Jordan wines.

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. After settlement the wine was racked into barrels where it underwent malolactic fermentation. After further racking it spent 16 months in new and second fill 225 litre French oak barrels.

Harvested from mature east and west facing vineyards established on mother soils of decomposed granite. Part whole-berry fermentation and softer pump-overs extract aromas of red plums and dark bitter chocolate. French oak maturation seasons the wine to accentuate the seductive flavours and generous velvety tannins.

86 Points Platters guide:

Partial wholeberry ferment & soft extraction give well-structured 2016 its plush black fruit, gentle spice ex older oak, slight leafiness also contributes to attractive glassful. Drier & more vivacious than Chameleon sibling.

Wine tasted by Cathy van Zyl.