2012 Nine Yards Chardonnay

The flagship 2012 Nine Yards Chardonnay has a very refined bouquet with beautifully integrated oak: smoke, flint, citrus peel and a touch of dried apricot. The palate has a seductive, peach-tinged opening that then fans out to a glorious apricot, nectarine and pink grapefruit finish that carries the oak almost unnoticeably. This is one of the finest Nine Yards that I have tasted from Gary Jordan. Superb. Drink now-2025. There is no doubt that Gary and Kathy Jordan’s Stellenbosch-based winery has become one of the most significant producers since its founding in 1993. Their extensive portfolio is squared at the value range of wines below twenty dollars, while flagship labels such as the feted Nine Years Chardonnay are aimed at connoisseurs. While I cannot quibble with the prices, the entry-level wines such as the Bradgate range are very basic and occasionally not without fault, which is reflected in my scores. Even so, I would rather drink one of Jordan’s wines than some of the other wines produced by bulk producers that clog supermarket shelves in the UK. Importer: Jordan’s wines have been imported directly since June 2013. Go to www.jordanwines.com/contact-us. Wines are available through ABS Agencies in the UK.