Nestled in the iconic Sonoma County lies Jordan Vineyard & Winery, a testament to the art of winemaking since 1972. Inspired by the great wine estates of France.
Jordan wineries founders Tom and Sally Jordan set out to create a Bordeaux-style California Cabernet Sauvignon that was approachable yet aged gracefully. Their vision led them to the beautiful Alexander Valley, where they built a stunning winery chateau with beautiful views that combined winemaking facilities, guest suites, and dining areas under one roof.
The Jordans focused on just three things, hospitality, chardonnay, and cabernet sauvignon. Dedication to quality and warm hospitality has been the guiding principle at Jordan Winery, making it one of the top experiences in Sonoma County.
Committed to excellence in every aspect, Jordan Winery has focused on crafting exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay and providing unforgettable experiences.
Join us as we explore the captivating story of Jordan Winery, its commitment to producing outstanding wines, and its enduring dedication to the heart of Sonoma County.
The Bordeaux-Inspired Cabernet Sauvignon
The collaboration with André Tchelistcheff
To achieve their goal of creating a Bordeaux-style California Cabernet Sauvignon, Tom and Sally Jordan, as maverick pioneers, sought the expertise of the legendary winemaker, André Tchelistcheff.
Tchelistcheff, known for crafting some of the best California Cabernet Sauvignons with his unique vision, became instrumental in establishing Jordan’s Francophile style of winemaking. Under his guidance, Rob Davis, continued to refine the process and ensure the remarkable quality and consistency of Jordan wines for more than four decades.
Evolution of the winemaking process
Over the years, the winemaking process at Jordan Winery has evolved to further perfect the quality of their Cabernet Sauvignon. Initially inspired by the Bordeaux model of estate-grown grapes, Jordan Winery shifted its focus to the Burgundy model, using a blend of grower vineyards.
This change allowed the winery to take advantage of vineyards with varying microclimates, soil types, and elevations, resulting in more complex and refined wines that pay homage to their French inspiration. Today, more than three quarters of the grapes used in Jordan’s Cabernet Sauvignon come from grower vineyards.
Unique vineyard sourcing for optimal flavor
Jordan Winery’s vineyard sourcing strategy plays a vital role in creating their exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon. The vineyards, situated farther northeast toward the mountains, benefit from the cooler climate and diverse terroir, yielding grapes with concentrated flavors and well-structured tannins.
This careful selection of vineyards ensures that each vintage of Jordan Cabernet Sauvignon reflects the finest qualities of the Alexander Valley.
Jordan Wines available vintages and tasting notes
Jordan Vineyard Winery boasts an impressive collection of Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon library vintages, ranging from 2003 to 2019. Each vintage demonstrates the winery’s commitment to balance, elegance, and consistency.
The 2019 vintage, in particular, is a standout release that commemorates Maggie’s first vintage as head winemaker. With an inviting and well-balanced palate, the 2019 vintage delivers flavors of blueberries, cassis, and blackberry, promising a wine that will age gracefully for years to come.
The 2019 Jordan Cabernet Sauvignon captivates with intense aromas of ripe black cherry, graphite, and blackberry, intertwined with a lovely violet floral note.
The palate is inviting and well-balanced, featuring flavors of blueberries, cassis, and boysenberry, all beautifully interwoven with silky tannins from the French oak barrels. The dark fruit flavors and delicate acidity evolve exquisitely in the glass and linger on the palate.
When to Drink: This wine can be enjoyed now after decanting for 30-45 minutes or cellared through 2039.
Composition: 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot, 8% Petit Verdot, and 2% Malbec
Oak Aging: 100% French oak for 13 months, with 42% new and 58% one-year-old barrels
Alcohol by Volume: 13.6%
Total Months Aging: 37 months
With an array of vintages available, including the fruit-forward and lush 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon and the memorable 2019 vintage, there is a Jordan Cabernet Sauvignon to suit every palate.
What is it like working for Jordan Winery?
Listen to my interview with Trione Vineyard and Winery winemaker John Duckett who talks about his 10 years working at Jordan.
The Burgundy-Inspired Chardonnay
The decision to create a sibling wine
After the successful launch of their Cabernet Sauvignon, the Jordans soon realized that their wine portfolio needed a sibling to complement their flagship red wine.
This led to the creation of Jordan Chardonnay, a Burgundy-inspired white wine that would showcase the winery’s dedication to balance, elegance, and complexity. This elegant Chardonnay offers versatile food pairing options, complementing a broad range of dishes.
Sourcing grapes from the Russian River Valley
To craft their exceptional Chardonnay, Jordan Winery turned to the Russian River Valley, a region renowned for producing some of California’s finest Chardonnays.
The cool climate, foggy mornings, and diverse soil types in this area provide optimal growing conditions for Chardonnay grapes, resulting in wines with crisp fruit flavors, vibrant acidity, and a lingering finish.
Balancing flavors and French oak aging
One of the keys to Jordan Chardonnay’s distinctive character lies in the careful balancing of flavors and the use of French oak aging.
The winemaking team meticulously selects the best fruit from each vineyard block and employs a combination of stainless steel fermentation and French oak barrel aging to achieve a harmonious balance between fruit, acidity, and oak influence. This approach results in Chardonnays that are elegant, food-friendly, and true to their Burgundian inspiration.
Overview of available vintages and tasting notes
Jordan Winery presents a remarkable selection of Russian River Valley Chardonnay vintages from 2017 to 2021, offering options for every taste and preference. Showcasing the versatility and elegance of Chardonnay when crafted with expertise, Jordan’s Chardonnays pay homage to the finest white Burgundies with their crisp fruit flavors, vibrant acidity, and lingering finish.
These balanced, elegant Russian River Valley Chardonnays can be cellared for 5-8 years, with select library vintages available for purchase online. Jordan maintains a cellar of additional Russian River Valley Chardonnay library vintages in limited quantities.
The 2021 Jordan Chardonnay captivates with beautiful aromas of grapefruit, Meyer lemon, and citrus blossom. The palate is equally opulent, bright, and alive, with flavors of juicy citrus, Asian pear, and lemon peel balancing seamlessly with the subtle French oak notes—all supported by uplifting acidity.
When to Drink: Enjoy this Chardonnay now or cellar it through 2031.
Composition: 100% Chardonnay
Oak Aging: 100% new French oak for 5.5 months, with 49% fermented in stainless steel
Alcohol by Volume: 13.7%
Malolactic Fermentation: 14%
Boasting a diverse selection of vintages, from the bright and lively 2017 Chardonnay to the opulent and well-balanced 2021 vintage, there is a Jordan Chardonnay to cater to every taste and preference.
Visiting Jordan Vineyard & Winery
Tasting experiences and estate tours
The Jordan Wine Estate offers an array of exceptional wine tasting experiences and luxurious property amenities for visitors, allowing them to savor the winery’s acclaimed Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay while taking in the stunning views of the estate.
Guests can enjoy guided tours of the property, which showcase the winery’s dedication to sustainable agriculture and provide a glimpse into the winemaking process. The tours also offer a chance to explore the estate’s natural habitat and learn about the local flora and fauna.
Schedule your winery tour or estate tour today!
Jordan Winery Address: 1474 Alexander Valley Rd, Healdsburg, CA 95448
Jordan Winery Tasting Room Phone Number: 707-431-5250
Hospitality offerings and unique visitor experiences
At Jordan Winery, hospitality is just as important as the quality of their wines. The winery offers a variety of unique experiences designed to immerse visitors in the world of wine, food, and the beautiful Sonoma County landscape.
From intimate wine tastings and food pairings to vineyard picnics and cooking classes, Jordan Winery provides unforgettable experiences that delight the senses and create lasting memories.
Membership in Jordan Estate Rewards program
Loyal fans of Jordan wines can join the Jordan Estate Rewards program, which offers exclusive access to library vintages, members-only events, and other special perks.
By becoming a member, wine enthusiasts can deepen their connection to the winery and further explore the exceptional wines and experiences that Jordan Winery has to offer.
Conclusion
Jordan Vineyard & Winery has established itself as a premier producer of exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay in Sonoma County.
With a rich history, unwavering dedication to quality, and warm hospitality, the winery has created a lasting legacy of enduring elegance in the world of wine. By continuing to innovate and refine their winemaking techniques, Jordan Winery remains committed to excellence in every vintage.
Whether you’re savoring a bottle at home or visiting their stunning estate, Jordan Winery offers an unforgettable experience that celebrates the art of winemaking and the beauty of Sonoma County.
