2021 Vintage | 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
95 pts. 'Gold', Decanter World Wine Awards 2023
93 pts. Tim Atkin
90 pts. IWSC (International Wine & Spirits Competition)
Double Gold, National Wine Awards 2023 (buybetterwine.com)
"Plenty of blackcurrants, plums, and eucalyptus notes. The complex palate has a fine creamy texture with sweet spice, excellent length, and classic fruit character." IWSC tasting note
Vines for this wine are 34-36 years old. The grapes were harvested between the 29th of March and 15th of April 2021 at 23.7’B.
To create the perfect soil environment for Jardin's Cabernet Sauvignon vineyards, many large, sub-surface granite boulders were excavated and blown-up with dynamite. One of the boulders required over 300 charges, necessitating a very long fuse.
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 program specializing in classic varieties suited to the different soils and slopes.
Progressive techniques such as overhead fermenters, pump-overs and gravity flow allow for the extraction of fully-developed flavours and soft ripe tannins without compensating the tension and elegance captured from the various Cabernet slopes. Here especially, the climate plays a significant role to allow great fruit expression and its classic essences of cedar, brambles and toasted tobacco.
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 optimize 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 channeled 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 Jardin wines.