Waterford Estate "The Jem"

Iconic. Exquisite. A true jewel of Stellenbosch.
The Jem is the pinnacle of Waterford Estate’s winemaking — a wine that embodies decades of experience, painstaking vineyard selection, and an uncompromising pursuit of perfection. Crafted from the estate’s finest blocks, it combines Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Merlot, Mourvedre and a touch of Sangiovese to create a Bordeaux-inspired blend with a distinct South African signature. Every detail — from hand-harvesting to barrel selection — is meticulously attended to, resulting in a wine of extraordinary depth, elegance, and complexity.

This is a wine designed to be savoured and remembered. From the first pour, The Jem captivates with a deep garnet core, perfumed aromatics, and an intensity that feels both powerful and refined. The palate reveals layers of blackcurrant, dark cherry, plum, and cassis, intertwined with cocoa, tobacco, graphite, and finely integrated French oak. Velvety tannins carry the fruit seamlessly, while a subtle mineral thread provides definition and poise. The finish is long, persistent, and profoundly elegant — a wine that lingers in memory long after the glass is emptied.

For wine lovers in Ireland, The Jem represents the ultimate premium red — a wine that pairs beautifully with fine dining, celebratory occasions, or simply moments when only the very best will do. It is as much a wine to contemplate as to drink, offering new nuances with every year of cellaring.

Why we love it:
The Jem is Waterford Estate’s ultimate expression: layered, elegant, and extraordinarily refined. Rich black fruit, polished tannins, and seamless oak integration make it a standout for collectors and connoisseurs alike. In Ireland, it elevates any occasion and delivers a taste of South African excellence at its finest.