Jordan Assyrtiko 2025
By Christian Eedes, 12 February 2026
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Stellenbosch property Jordan is home to South Africa’s first mother block of Assyrtiko, planted in 2019, with the maiden release in 2022. The wine has tended to disappear quickly, as volumes have until now been small, but the 2025 release (price: R229) is produced in greater quantity following the coming online of new blocks. Team Jordan continue to innovate, having subsequently planted the red varieties Xinomavro – traditionally associated with Greece – and Mencía, linked to Spain and Portugal.
Fermented in stainless-steel tanks and left on the lees for four months, the Assyrtiko 2025 shows lime and apple, a hint of floral perfume and a whiff of petrol. The palate is dramatic: rich and creamy (thanks to a residual sugar of 5.3g/l) yet counterbalanced by big acidity, the finish nicely dry. Alc: 13%.
CE’s rating: 92/100.
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Barry Engelbrecht | 16 February 2026
Whiff of petrol? Not sure I would like to try this wine.
Christian Eedes | 17 February 2026
Hi Barry, Sunlight creates “sunscreen” pigments in grapes. Over time, wine’s natural acid breaks this down into molecules that smell like “petrol” – there’s a bit of debate about how much “petrol” character is desirable but it’s usually not that off-putting/can be seen as a hallmark of quality.