Jordan Nine Yards Chardonnay 2024

The Jordan family farm this single-vineyard Chardonnay in Stellenbosch, in South Africa's Coastal Region. The fruit comes from vines of around thirty years, planted on decomposed granite soils that drain freely and hold back vigour, concentrating the grapes. On arrival the fruit is destemmed and pressed straight away, then fermented in traditional 228-litre French oak barrels, seventy per cent of them new and the rest of second, third and fourth use. Fermenting in barrel rather than tank binds the oak into the wine and gives a more integrated, seamless texture, while the new wood and the slow oxygen exchange through the staves add spice and structure. Lees ageing rounds the mid-palate and lends a savoury, nutty depth. The colour is bright gold. The nose is generous, with white peach and lemon over vanilla, hazelnut and toasted bread from the barrel. The palate balances ripe stone and citrus fruit against the oak, with a creamy weight, a touch of melon and a long, savoury finish kept fresh by the cool coastal nights. Serve at 12 to 13 degrees in a large glass.