The philosophy behind The Jem blend lies in showcasing the best of each vintage and paying homage to the lessons learnt from the past using them to shape the future.
Philosophy of The Jem
Waterford Estate has long been devoted to crafting wines that are true to the soul of South Africa. The Jem is more than a blend of grapes – it is a symbol of our passion, our land, and our people. It is the fusion of Old World heritage and New World innovation, capturing the unique spirit of Stellenbosch.
At the core of The Jem is the dedication of our entire team, from our viticulturists who nurture the vines to our cellar team who naturally guide our wine to express the character of the Helderberg Mountain.
Vintage review
To understand the make-up of the 2017 Jem blend, one must look back to the conditions of the 2017 harvest.
2017 went down as the third consecutive year of drought in the Western Cape with water conservation methods being enforced as sources declared 2017 the driest year since 1933. Despite the challenging conditions, which saw lower dam levels and stressed flora, the vineyards saw an incredible increase in overall quality, concentration and uniformity.
Smaller berry sizes contributed to the concentration of the wine, giving the Cabernet Sauvignon component a firm structure with refined tannins and vibrant acidity while allowing the blending components to fully ripen and express their unique character.
This vintage is destined to be a classic, with wines that reflect both power and elegance, promising longevity and further development with time.
The art of blending
"You can't buy time" – a phrase often used by cellarmaster Mark le Roux. It’s time spent working with a vineyard to understand its unique personality, the time it takes to uncover how best to express the terroir through your winemaking philosophy, and the time to craft a blend so deeply rooted in authenticity that each varietal tells the story of South Africa.
Blending is an art, perfected through experience by winemakers with an intimate understanding of the terroir and a seamless understanding with the viticulturist. The Jem blend embodies the Waterford Estate philosophy, capturing the diversity and exceptional quality of the farm’s vineyards, and reflecting the very essence of what makes this estate uniquely South African.
The Jem 2017 blend
The Jem 2017 continues its legacy. This complex blend is comprised of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Shiraz, 7% Merlot, 6% Mourvèdre, 5% Sangiovese, 4% Cabernet Franc, 3% Petit Verdot, and 2% Barbera.
Each varietal is vinified individually and, after six months, blended to create a harmonious wine that is then aged for 20 months, allowing ample time for the integration of flavours and character. This careful and patient process ensures a balanced, perfectly coherent wine that will age gracefully for many years.
Tasting note
The nose unveils layers of complexity, featuring dark and red fruit typical of a Bordeaux blend, underscored by herbaceous Fynbos, vanilla oak, crushed violets, and a delicate hint of clove spice. The palate mirrors the aromatics with remarkable balance, delivering a wine that is both generous and elegant. Velvety tannins provide fullness while the natural acidity introduces vibrancy and elevates the wines mineral-driven, long finish. With a classic dry profile and luxurious texture, The Jem represents a celebration of heritage and innovation.
The Jem 2017 has received an exceptional 97-point rating in Tim Atkin’s 2024 South African Special Report. This accolade is a testament to the estates enduring commitment to crafting wines that reflect the unique terroir of Stellenbosch and the Helderberg Mountain. The Jem 2017 tells a story - one of the Helderberg Mountain, of the Stellenbosch terroir, and of the history of South African winemaking. With its rich aromatics, poised structure, and firm yet graceful tannins, creates a wine with exceptional rewards for those who choose to cellar it.
Visit us in our tasting room for a chance to taste this one-of-a-kind wine or visit our online store to enjoy The Jem 2017 at home.