Gary Jordan’s background as a geologist is one of the reasons why his Stellenbosch vineyard has vines facing in every direction of the compass. It is the diversity of these specific locations and the variety in soil composition, that make Jordan Wines stand out. It is head and shoulders above other wines from South Africa.
His vineyards run from the Stellenbosch Gorge to the slopes of the Bottelary Hills. Stand up here on these slopes and you will have a spectacular panoramic view of Cape Town, Table Mountain, False Bay and the historic town of Stellenbosch.
Gary spent years researching the soil and the farms microclimates. He planted exactly the right grape variety on each and every slope in 1992.
Luxury bedroom suite
During our stay in South Africa we stayed at the winery overnight, sleeping in what was originally the chapel for the farm workers. It has been transformed into a luxury bedroom suite and is one of just eight very exclusive rooms the estate offers visitors who want to stay.
The next morning after a luxurious breakfast overlooking the estates manicured gardens and the lake we toured the farm in a rather special safari vehicle. At each of our stops our tour guide turned the Land Rovers front grill into a tasting table and we began to taste the fruits of Gary’s labours.
All the grapes used to make Jordan wine are grown on the 162 hectare estate and while wines are mainly cépage, they have recently released a line of heritage Timepiece wines.
Nine Yards
Their flagship is a chardonnay, sold as ‘Nine Yards’. Without doubt one of the finest wines South Africa has ever produced. It was named ‘Best Chardonnay in the World’ by the wine magazine Decanter!
The grapes used for this stunner are grown on east-facing, cooler vineyards and returns are rather low. After pressing, the juice is fermented on brand new French oak, and then left to mature on the lees for 12 months. Barrels are regularly turned allowing the wine to make frequent contact with the wood. This makes the wine richer and fatter in taste.
On the nose we detect butterscotch, cloves, lemon and orange peel. In the mouth you notice the toasted notes of the oak. But it is the aftertaste of peach and melon, that blows your mind.
Nine Yards is without doubt one of the best Chardonnays in South Africa. But how did it get its name?
Gary and his son Alex were tasting some of barrels of Chardonnay in the cellar. They liked a couple so much, that they wanted to make a separate wine from them. Together they decided to bottle this wine separately from the others and they liked the result.
Opinions of others
Keen to seek the opinions of others, Gary took some bottles to a planned meeting he had with several famous businessmen in the Kruger Park. He poured the unnamed wine and sat back to watch their reaction. Sir Richard Branson, one of the guests, stood up and toasted Gary. He said, “Gary you have not held back on this wine. You have given it your best and gone the whole nine yards.” And so, the name of the wine was born!
Gary and his wife Kathy are not ones to sit still. In March of 2009 they opened, in collaboration with Neleen Strauss, High Timber, a restaurant in London much frequented and loved by city bankers. In December 2009, they open a second. But this one was much closer to home. The second restaurant is located on the estate. It is a collaboration between the Jordans and the South African Chef George Jardine. To date, the restaurant is annually voted one of the best ten in South Africa. ‘Our wines are best enjoyed in combination with delicious food,’ says Gary.
Mousehall Estate
Having purchased the medieval Mousehall Country Estate in Sussex, on which they planted vines, they encouraged their daughter Christy to launch her own brand of gin. Mousehall Sussex Dry Gin is their signature spirit.
Several of the botanicals used in the distillation are harvested on the historical estate in the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). And then they are sustainably handcrafted in a traditional 400 litre Copper Pot Still. This classical London Dry style gin is produced from both grape and grain neutral spirit. 13 different botanicals are then added to create a perfectly balanced Juniper-forward Gin. Hints of fresh citrus, cardamom and a special South African ingredient, Rooibos (Redbush tea) add a floral element to this refreshing and zesty gin.