Name that wine

There is a family of South African wines you can get in the US but not in South Africa. Sounds silly, but true. The Jardin wines of South Africa are fabulous and only available in the US. The reason? The family name is on the label in South Africa and the family name is Jordan, no relation to the California Jordan's but that is way the name is changed here in the US.

Jardin best Chardonnay is a barrel selection of all their Chardonnay. It is called Nine Yards Chardonnay, because it is the whole nine yards. Ok, I just made that up, I don't know why its called Nine Yards. What I do know that another South African winery has joined the style of California and France to make a delicious wine. The 2005 vintage is $29.99 a bottle. Not a typo, 2005! Most Cal Chards are long gone by 5 years of age, this one is just starting to peak. Noticeable oak in harmony with great fruit flavors, crisp acidity and some mellow yellow color are evident in this wine. Closer in style to a Meursault with some hints of hazelnut, you can serve this wine with or without food. I pick the food because this allows the wine to show more versatility. There is also a 2003 Cabernet available from Jardin, that is equally as yummy and has the one thing a winemaker cannot create, bottle age and the flavors that come with it.