Waterford Estate The Jem 2017 - Single

Features

Description

Waterford Estate The Jem 2017 is the estates flagship red wine and represents its pursuit of a distinctly South African fine-wine blend. Rather than following a conventional Bordeaux or Rh*ne formula, The Jem brings together eight grape varieties, led by Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz, to capture the diversity of Waterfords vineyards on the Helderberg in Stellenbosch.

The 2017 growing season was the third consecutive drought year in the Western Cape. Smaller berries and lower yields contributed exceptional concentration, while the Cabernet Sauvignon retained structure, refined tannins and vibrant acidity. Each variety was vinified separately before the final blend was assembled approximately six months after fermentation and matured together for a total of 20 months, allowing the individual components to integrate.

The result is a powerful yet sophisticated wine, combining concentrated dark fruit with fynbos, florals, spice and polished tannins. With 97 points from Tim Atkin MW, the 2017 ranks among the finest vintages of The Jem released to date. Tasting Notes Colour: Deep ruby-red with a dark, youthful core.

Nose: Complex and expressive, opening with cassis, blackberry, plum and red cherry. These fruit notes are layered with crushed violets, indigenous fynbos, vanilla oak and clove, together with subtle savoury and earthy nuances. Palate: Generous yet beautifully controlled. Cabernet Sauvignon provides the structural backbone, with concentrated dark and red fruits framed by velvety tannins and vibrant natural acidity.

Shiraz adds depth and spice, while the smaller blending components contribute perfume, savoury complexity and texture. Finish: Long, elegant and mineral-driven, with lingering black fruit, red cherry, spice and fine-grained tannins. The balance between concentration and freshness points towards considerable ageing potential Awards & Accolades The 2017 vintage has received significant critical recognition: 97 Points Tim Atkin MW, South Africa Special Report 2024 4.5 Stars Platter's Wine Guide 2025 Tim Atkin placed the wine among the top 16 wines tasted in his 2024 South Africa Special Report, from more than 2,200 wines assessed.

Technical Details Producer: Waterford Estate Wine: The Jem Vintage: 2017 Country: South Africa Region: Stellenbosch Wine of Origin: Stellenbosch Winemaker: Mark le Roux Style: Dry red blend Bottle Size: 750ml Closure: Cork Alcohol: 13,5% ABV Residual Sugar: 1.5 g/L Total Acidity: 5.18 g/L pH: 3.6 Maturation: Final blend matured for approximately 20 months Oak: Wood matured