Waterford Estate is passionate about South Africa and crafting authentic wines that resonate with the terroir of the Helderberg Mountain. From our viticultural team who work tirelessly with Mother Nature to our cellar team who work long days to guide our wines to their full potential, we could not be more proud of every member of the Waterford Estate team.
Once again this team has demonstrated their commitment to their craft with outstanding results in Tim Atkin's 2024 report.
The Jem 2017: A legacy of excellence
The Jem is more than just a wine; it is the embodiment of our philosophy , combining the heritage of the Old World with the innovative spirit of the New World reflecting the unique terroir of Stellenbosch and the Helderberg Mountain.
The 2017 vintage, awarded 97 points by Tim Atkin, continues this legacy of excellence.
Crafted with precision, The Jem 2017 continues to carry the torch of this auspicious blend. Driven by Cabernet Sauvignon and layered with character through the use of seven different varietals, all grown on the estate, the wine gracefully tells its own story and the story of South Africa.
This wine shows incredible aromatics of red and dark fruits intertwined with herbaceous Fynbos and subtle baking spices. The structure of the wine is poised and balanced, the refined tannins, a trademark of Helderberg grown Cabernet Sauvignon, mingles with the bright acidity bringing intrigue to every sip.
The 97-point rating underscores The Jem’s stature as a world-class wine, capable of ageing gracefully and rewarding those who choose to cellar it.
Continuing a tradition of quality
Our great awards in Tim Atkin's 2024 report extends beyond The Jem:
- Waterford Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 – 93 points
- Waterford Estate Kevin Arnold Shiraz 2020 – 94 points
- Waterford Antigo 2021 – 92 points
- Waterford Estate Single Vineyard Grenache Noir 2022 – 93 points
- Waterford Estate Single Vineyard Chardonnay 2021 – 93 points
- Waterford Blanc de Blancs CC 2017 – 91 points
- Waterford Old Vine OVP Chenin Blanc 2023 – 93 points
- Waterford Rose-Mary Rosé 2023 – 90 points
- Waterford Library Collection Cabernet Franc/Malbec Co-fermentation 2022 – 95 points
- Waterford Library Collection Spring Cabernet Sauvignon 2017 – 94 points
The high level of performance in Tim Atkin’s 2024 report, particularly the exceptional rating of The Jem 2017, reaffirms our team’s drive to produce authentic South African wine and our ongoing dedication to enhancing our reputation as a world-renowned vineyard. With our commitment to excellence, regenerative farming, and innovation, we will continue to carve out our legacy in the global wine industry , offering wines that are not only a reflection of Stellenbosch's terroir but also a testament to the potential and prestige of South African wine on the world stage.