The 2003 Jordan Cobblers Hill (55% Cabernet sauvignon, 30% Merlot and 15% Cabernet franc) underwent malolactic fermentation in barrel and spent 23 months in specially selected 225L French oak barrels.  Gary Jordan, elated with the final blend and the resulting wine, said of the 2003 vintage, ‘We resisted the temptation to harvest early and this proved to be a wise decision, as the grapes were phenolically ripe at harvest.”  A small percentage of Cabernet franc was added to the blend to lift the fruit and add to the longevity of this new release. This powerful wine has seamless tannins with the complex layers of fruit from the Bordeaux varieties being clearly discernable. A beautifully balanced and refined wine – the ultimate expression of the Jordan terroir.  The 2003 vintage was exceptional at Jordan with the two flagship wines from this vintage receiving numerous accolades. The Cobblers Hill received 4½ stars and the Nine Yards Chardonnay 5 stars in the John Platter Wine Guide.

The 2003 Jordan Cobblers Hill was awarded a Gold medal at the 2006 Swiss International Air Lines Wine Awards, one of only 27 to receive Gold out of over 600 entries. The Cobblers Hill has also been selected by the Systembolaget (Swedish Alcohol Retail Monopoly) and will be served in First Class on the Irish airline, Aer Lingus. 

The 2004 Jordan Syrah is the second vintage of Syrah under the Jordan label. Prior to this the fruit from the younger vineyards was blended under the Bradgate label. On tasting the wine it is clear why Gary and Kathy Jordan chose to use the name Syrah, rather than Shiraz. The flavour profile of the fruit dictates a style similar to that found in the Northern Rhône, flavours of bay leaves, white pepper, spice and cloves. In fact, these very same flavours are evident in the grapes even before fermentation begins. Confirming this, esteemed wine critic, Michael Fridjhon, recently commented in Business Day, that the 2003 Jordan Syrah was the most Rhône-like of several South African shirazes tasted recently. Gary is confident that the 2004 will be even more concentrated than the maiden 2003 vintage, saying, ‘the extra year on these 7-year-old vines has yielded intense red and black fruit. This vintage shows rich, dark fruit on the palate with finely balanced oak integration on the finish, making it a very appealing wine.’ 

In a creative partnership between Jordan Winery and the Dart Family, Jordan wines are available for tasting and sale at Stanlake Park Estate, their English winery in Berkshire. Stanlake Park has been making wine since 1979 but their range does not include the red varieties that are grown at Jordan. At the request of their customers for a selection of full-bodied red wines, they approached Jordan who is similarly a family-run winery.  The Jordan Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah are now available from the Stanlake Park tasting room. Peter Dart’s South African connection? He is the marketing advisor to the Mandela Trust in the UK.

Jordan wines are available nationally at specialist wine retailers, licensed grocers, and leading restaurants and hotels. Jordan Winery is open for tasting and sales seven days a week and on public holidays.