Monday 12th February 2007

Lucinda, our Namibian harvest intern and I spent a few hours taking samples in the vineyards from early in the morning. Back at the winery lab, we could analyse and taste the effects of the 36 mm of rainfall. Predictably, the sugar levels had dropped up to 1 degree brix in some cases, the acid levels had dropped and the pH had increased. The juices also tasted slightly flat and lacked a concentration of flavour. Experience has taught me that with balanced vines not suffering any stress, this is only temporary. It is still a nerve-racking time though and we make the decision to take more samples tomorrow. To date we have harvested 230 tonnes and are only a quarter of the way through the harvest.

Just before lunch, Peter Clinton, President of Vinnovative Imports, (Jordan Winery’s USA importer) arrives with Mick Swain, our Chicago distributor, for a tasting and tour of the Jordan cellar and vineyards. The difference in temperature from vineyard to vineyard is quite remarkable– there is easily a 5˚ C difference from one side of the property to the other, with the South-facing side being the coolest. The picture alongside shows Mick (on the left) standing with Peter looking across at one of our terraced south-facing chardonnay vineyards, the view that inspired the sketch on our label. “Being a geologist in my previous life has enabled me to plan the whole property according to soil type and slope” I explain to Mick. This is why we are able to specialize with certain varieties on particular soils and slopes, and with Jordan being one of the few properties around with N-, S-, E- and W-facing slopes, we have been lucky enough to win international awards for both red and white wines.