2009 Waterford Estate The Jem
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Tasting notes
36% Cabernet Sauvignon, some Syrah, Mourvèdre and other Bordeaux varieties. More mature than the Estate Cabernet. Nicely integrated but sweet and chocolatey. They are aiming for lightness and longevity but it’s pretty accessible! Lots of fruit almost masks the well-managed tannins. (JR)
Critic scores
Average Score
Jancis Robinson MW
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2009 The Jem continues to deliver plenty of pleasure 12 months after our previous encounter. It has a very seductive bouquet with scents of wild strawberry, red plum, fig and damson that show great clarity. The palate is medium-bodied with grippy dry tannins on the entry. It appears to have "firmed up" over the last few months and I would keep any bottle under wraps for a couple of years and wait for this gem to reach its plateau. It remains outstanding value.
(a blend based on cabernet and shiraz): Full ruby-red. High-toned aromas of cassis, raspberry, licorice and spicecake complicated by coffee, mocha and leather. Tactile on the palate but also juicy and penetrating, with excellent intensity to the flavors of dark raspberry, spices, coffee and leather. A bit rustic in a positive way. Finishes concentrated and long, with serious tannins reaching the front teeth. Another impressive wine from this excellent vintage.