Critics Ratings

‘Mid-deep ruby. Mellow nose with dried tobacco, graphite and subtle clove over a broad range of red and black fruit. Juicy acidity, with firm, velvet-textured tannins and an incense note. Integrated with very good length. Could drink now, but a couple of years will resolve the tannins further.’ – Tim Jackson MW, JancisRobinson.com, 17.5/20 (Dec 2019)

‘There was no Jem in 2013, but Waterford's flagship blend is back with a flourish in 2014. Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz based, it includes contributions from Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Mourvèdre, Sangiovese and Barbera. Still oaky at the moment, but this is a scented, glossy, beautifully weighted cuvée that has wonderful texture and mouthfeel, fine tannins and wild herb scents. 2021-32’- Tim Atkin MW, SA Special Report 2019, 97/100

‘Flagship from selection of estate’s 11 black grapes - Italian, Spanish & French - majority planted since 1999. Cab-led 2014 is tall, dark & handsome; packed with juicy berry fruit & savoury spice, 32% new oak in harmonious support. Rich, lithe & deeply alluring, a wine for the long haul.’ - Platter's SA Wine Guide 2020, 5* (95/100)

‘This flagship wine from Waterford combines the sweetness of new world back and red fruits with a savoury, old world dusting of cedar and tobacco. It has a nice texture, some fine, ripe tannins and good acidity, helping to pull together this Mediterranean-inspired blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Mourvedre, Sangiovese and Barbera. A good match for beef wellington.’ – James Button, Decanter.com, 93/100 (Feb 2019)

‘This is the flagship of the estate and is a blend of 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Shiraz, 14% Cabernet Franc, 6% Merlot, 6% Petit Verdot, 4% Mourvèdre, 3% Sangiovese and 2% Barbera. The 2014 The Jem begins with a robust nose of black and red fruits with mocha, seductive oak tones, spicy herbs and floral aromas. The palate is full-bodied, broad and dynamic with a bold, concentrated core and a long, complex finish.’ – Anthony Mueller, Wine Advocate, 91+/100 (Oct 2019)

‘The nose shows top notes of floral perfume and leafiness before red and black fruit plus toasty oak and some spice while the palate is full bodied yet balanced – dense fruit and firm tannins, the finish super-dry. It’s as unshowy and carefully crafted as ever and deserves a place in the more well-heeled collector’s cellar.’ – Christian Eedes, Decanter.com, 91/100 (Jul 2019)

Provenance

Private Client