Waterford The Jem 2017 represents the pinnacle of this iconic Stellenbosch Estate. It is a master blend named after owner Jeremy ‘Jem’ Ord. The 2017 vintage followed three years of drought, resulting in tiny, concentrated berries. This led to wines showing incredible depth, structure, and intense flavor concentration. The Jem beautifully captures the diversity of the Helderberg terroir. This wine is complex, structured, and promises phenomenal long-term aging.
This flagship blend consistently achieves world-class ratings, affirming its status among South Africa’s finest wines. Critics praise its power and elegance.
- 97 Points: Tim Atkin MW awarded this exceptional score. This is one of his highest ratings for a South African red.
- 92 Points: James Suckling gave this impressive rating. He noted its plush tannins and rich core of dark fruit.
The 2017 The Jem offers an intricate nose. Expect layers of dark cherry, cassis, dark chocolate, crushed violets, and herbaceous Fynbos notes. The palate is full-bodied, yet perfectly balanced by natural acidity. Velvety tannins lend fullness, leading to an enduring mineral finish. The wine displays a classic dry profile and luxurious texture.
They vinify all components as individual batches. After six months, the winemakers create the final blend. The wine matures as a blend for a total of 20 months in French oak barriques. This early blending technique ensures maximum integration and harmony. The low residual sugar guarantees a classic dry profile. It has a drinking window from 2024 to 2035 and beyond.
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