Waterford The Jem 2017
Blend : Red
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Waterford The Jem 2017
Set on the slopes of the Helderberg Mountain in Stellenbosch, Waterford Estate is known for wines that combine a strong sense of place with a thoughtful, relatively hands-off approach to blending. The estate's vineyards benefit from the Helderberg's distinctive combination of mountain soils, elevation and maritime influence from nearby False Bay, helping to give its reds both concentration and freshness. Waterford The Jem 2017 is the estate's flagship wine and an unusually broad South African red blend. Cabernet Sauvignon provides the backbone, while Shiraz, Mourvèdre and the smaller blending components bring spice, perfume, savoury character and additional texture. Each variety is vinified separately before being brought together approximately six months after fermentation, after which the blend spends around 20 months maturing in French oak. The approach is deliberately focused on integration: rather than allowing individual varieties to dominate, the aim is for the finished wine to feel seamless and expressive of the Helderberg. The 2017 vintage is particularly notable for its refinement and freshness. Christian Eedes described it as more refined than the powerful 2015 vintage, with fine tannins, excellent fruit definition and considerable complexity.
Colour: Deep ruby red with a dark, youthful core.
Nose: Expressive aromas of cassis, blackberry, plum and red cherry lead into layers of crushed violets, indigenous fynbos, herbs and subtle earthy notes. Vanilla oak and clove add warmth and spice, while a savoury character becomes more apparent as the wine opens.
Palate: Medium to full-bodied, with concentrated dark and red fruit carried by fresh acidity and fine, velvety tannins. Cabernet Sauvignon gives the wine its structure, while Shiraz and the other varieties add spice, floral notes and savoury depth. There is plenty of fruit and texture, but the wine remains fresh and composed rather than overly powerful.
Finish: Long and dry, with lingering cassis, plum, red cherry, clove and subtle mineral notes. Fine tannins give the finish length without becoming drying or austere.
- Food Pairing : Waterford The Jem 2017 has the structure and freshness to pair beautifully with richer dishes without becoming heavy. Try it with slow-roasted Karoo lamb, a grilled rib-eye or fillet, beef short ribs, venison or a mushroom and lentil roast. The dark fruit and savoury fynbos character work naturally with grilled and roasted flavours, while the wine's acidity keeps richer meats and sauces feeling balanced. Its fine tannins also make it particularly well suited to protein-rich dishes.
- Drink before: Cellaring potential: 5–25 years.
- Vintage: 2017
- Manufacturer: Waterford
- Region: Stellenbosch
- Medals Won: Tim Atkin South African Special Report (2024): 97 points. Platter's Wine Guide (2025): 4.5 Stars. Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate: 94 points. Global Standing: Ranked among the top 1% of wines worldwide on Vivino. Christian Eedes, Winemag: 97 points.
- Sugar Content: 1.5g/L
- Alcohol Content: 14.1%
Stock and Delivery:
In Stock: Standard delivery within 5 days
Stock at supplier: Delivery within 10 - 15 days
R99 Nationwide
Free Delivery: On orders over R2 000
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