Strauss & co - 8 June 2019 (Wine)

179 Waterford The Jem 2006 750ml 6 (1 x 6) R12 000 – 14 000 PROVENANCE Private Client ITEM NOTES Kevin Arnold’s decades of experience at Delheim and Rust en Vrede led him to the prime Waterford estate on the slopes of the Helderberg. Having researched which varieties may perform best, Kevin planted a basket of Mediterranean varieties with the vision of producing an icon blend from the property. On release, the 2004 was South Africa’s most expensive wine and a decade later, the 2006 7-variety blend is a stellar example of a great Stellenbosch red. ‘A blend based on 60% cabernet; aged 18 months in French oak, 40% new): Good deep, bright red. Redcurrant, tobacco and fresh herbs on the nose. Juicy, bright and nicely focused, with lovely lift to the flavours of black cherry, red berries, smoke, liquorice and mocha. Harmonious acidity gives the mid-palate a penetrating, primary quality. Sexy, vibrant wine, finishing with firm tannic spine and lovely palate-saturating flavour without weight. Lay this one down.’ Stephen Tanzer, Vinous.com, 92+/100