Jordan Wine Estate awarded International Chardonnay Trophy at 2014 Decanter World Wine Awards

For the second time in the past three years, Jordan Wine Estate has been awarded the International Chardonnay Trophy at the Decanter World Wine Awards. This year the 2013 Jordan Estate Barrel Fermented Chardonnay scooped this prestigious award. In addition, Jordan also received medals for the 2013 Chenin Blanc, ‘The Outlier’ Sauvignon Blanc 2012, the 2012 ‘Nine Yards’ Chardonnay, ‘The Prospector’ Syrah 2011, the 2011 Merlot as well as the 2011 ‘Cobblers Hill’ Red Bordeaux Blend. The Decanter World Wine Awards (DWWA) is the world’s largest and most influential wine competition. Judging of the more than 15 000 wines at the 2014 DWWA involved 224 specialist tasters from around the world, including 66 Masters of Wine and 18 Master Sommeliers. Regional Trophies were chosen from gold medal winners in a particular region, which then competed for International Trophies in specific categories defined by wine style. Two years ago the 2010 Jordan Nine Yards Chardonnay received the International Chardonnay Trophy at both the DWWA as well as at the International Wine and Spirit Competition.

‘South African wine has come of age, mainly due to more mature vineyards and a young and vibrant new generation of winemakers,’ said Lynne Sheriff MW, DWWA regional chair for South Africa.

The trophy-winning 2013 Jordan Chardonnay vineyards are situated on the cooler south and east-facing slopes of the estate and the wine undergoes traditional 9 month ‘sur lie’ barrel fermentation in French oak. “This is a classic expression of Chardonnay, brimming with fruit, flavor and elegance”, stated Kathy Jordan. “A buttery toastiness from the oak rounds off the complex hazelnut and citrus flavours of this Burgundian-styled chardonnay.”

“This has already been a fantastic year for our multi-award-winning Stellenbosch wine estate”, said Gary Jordan, co-owner of Jordan Wine Estate. “The Jordan Chardonnay allows me to combine my background in geology together with a love for one of the greatest white wine varieties in the world, creating a truly profound expression of our terroir. This wine is the true synergy between soul and soil.”

Sjaak Nelson, winemaker at Jordan, proudly commented, “After a long and frenetic 2014 vintage it is wonderful to yet again be rewarded with such a highly respected Trophy, confirming the quality consistently produced at Jordan.”

This year the Jordan family also celebrates 30 years since Ted Jordan replanted the first vines on Jordan Wine Estate and the hard work of the past 3 decades is evident in other recent accolades:

The Jordan Restaurant with George Jardine was rated in the 2014 Eat Out Top 10 Awards for the 4th consecutive year.

Jordan Wine Estate was rated one of South Africa’s Top 20 Wineries in a 2014 wine-writer poll conducted by Tim James, (and only 1 of 7 wineries to occupy this position since 2001.)

The 2014 Top 100 SA Wine Awards presented Jordan Wine Estate with the Top 5 Vineyard Consistency Award with 3 wines (2013 Nine Yards Chardonnay, 2013 ‘The Real McCoy’ Riesling, and the 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon) in the Top 100 SA wines.

The 2011 Jordan Cabernet Sauvignon won the American Express Trophy at the prestigious 2014 Old Mutual Trophy Wine Show for the best Cabernet Sauvignon (also the second time in three years).

The 2011 Jordan Chameleon Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot was rated in the Top 6 Red Blends at the Classic Wine Awards.

The 2012 Jordan ‘The Prospector’ Syrah was awarded the prestigious Shiraz Top 12 award by the SA Shiraz Association in June 2014.

The 2012 ‘Nine Yards’ Chardonnay and the 2011 Cobblers Hill red Bordeaux Blend received gold medals at the Sommelier Wine Awards in London.

‘The Real McCoy’ Riesling and the ‘Nine Yards’ Chardonnay received Platinum awards at the South African Wine Index for consistency.