- Main Video
- What is the history of Jordan Vineyard and Winery?
- What was your fathers goal when he opened the winery?
- How is Jordan Winery different from other wineries?
- What is the tour like?
- How do you get rewards points? What are they good for?
- Would you tell me more about the Guest Suites?
- Hosted Segment
Current Releases:
2005 Cabernet Sauvignon 750 ML
2007 Chardonay 750 ML
In the historical tradition of fine wines, Jordan wines are produced and bottled at the winery. They are distributed throughout the United States and in over forty international markets. Combining the artistry of the old world with the technology of the new, Jordan produces Cabernet Sauvignon, blended in the tradition of Bordeaux, and Chardonnay, crafted in the tradition of a white Burgundy.
From the beginning, Jordan Cabernet Sauvignons have been made in such a way that they are round, fragrant and approachable upon release, but have the capacity to age beautifully. The blend generally comprises about 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc. This, with the use of both French and American small oak cooperage followed by bottle aging in Jordan's cellars, adds to the wine's consistently elegant style.
Jordan Chardonnays, which are rich and complex, are similar in style to the white Burgundies of Meursault, France. Our sensory evaluation has led us to believe the Russian River Valley is the optimum growing area for Chardonnay. Accordingly, our most recent vintages are increasing the content from this ideal, cooler appellation where Chardonnay and Pinot Noir vines make exceptional wines. Vineyard blocks are kept separate until after fermentation, when they are evaluated for inclusion in the master blend. The wine undergoes malolactic fermentation and barrel aging before release.
If you would like to receive advance notice of new releases with tasting notes from our winemaker, we invite you to sign up for our E-mail mailing list.
FOUNDERS CORNER
The outdoors is one of my lifelong passions. As a boy growing up in the Midwest, I was either hunting or fishing or taking hikes through the woods every chance I got. I cherish the days when I later took my son, John, fishing with me, which instilled in him my deep reverence for the living waters, majestic trees and stillness of the great outdoors. The love we share for natures beauty and bounty has everything to do with our winemaking here at Jordan. There is no more grateful or poetic a tribute to nature than a carefully crafted fine wine.
The challenge of growing grapes demands the utmost commitment to a winerys natural surroundings. At Jordan, that has always been a part of our guiding philosophy. Its why now weve begun a grand effort to do even more to care for our environment so it remains vital and healthy for years to come. This project spells dramatic change for how we work. It means an even deeper commitment and investment in our vineyard. And Im proud of John and his team for the remarkable strides theyve already made, which you will read about in Estate Tales.
For 35 years we have worked hard to make great wines in a classic style. Our passion will continue to guide us, to take great care in everything that we do in the cellar, in the vineyard and on this earth. Because at Jordan, no goals are more important than ensuring the natural balance surrounding us and our ability to craft excellent wine.
JORDANS HISTORY
Great wines are invariably associated with great vineyards. The interaction of climate, soil and husbandry impart, through the grapes, a unique character to the wine. When successful geologist and wine connoisseur Tom Jordan first came to Northern California in the early 1970s, he was quick to appreciate the potential apparent in the Alexander Valley for a premium vineyard and winery.
In 1972, Tom Jordan acquired 275 acres of prune orchards for conversion to vineyards, plus 1300 acres of rolling oak woodlands as a site for the future winery facility as well as an informal preserve for deer, wild turkey, coyotes, waterfowl, and other wildlife.
In the case of areas selected for planting vines, nature required the help of art and experience, so the land was re-graded to enhance soil drainage. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and - five years later - Chardonnay grapes were planted. In due course, a winery, inspired by southwestern French country architecture, was built on an oak-studded knoll and completed just in time for the first vintage, that of 1976.
From the first, winemaking at Jordan has integrated new-world technology and old-world artistry to complement the unique natural qualities of the grapes. Created under the tutelage of the legendary André Tchelistcheff, the first vintage of Cabernet Sauvignon established a suppleness and delicacy that was uncommon in California. Working alongside André in those early years was the present winemaker, Rob Davis. Many of the vineyard workers who originally planted the estate vines still care for them today. This continuity assures the consistency of style and elegance so typical of all Jordan wines.
Tom Jordan has always believed that wine making should be a logical conclusion to the all-important work done in the vineyards: Art and nature should become one. His instincts proved to be right. Jordan wines from the Alexander Valley quickly gained an international reputation for excellence, and continue to maintain that pre-eminent position.
JORDANS PHILOSOPHY
When the Jordan project was undertaken in the early 70s, fine wine in California was in its infancy. The natural place to look for a model wine estate was in Europe. Our primary goal was, of course, to produce memorable wines, but secondarily to emulate the European tradition of doing so in beautiful surroundings.
Architecture, landscaping, gardens, hospitality, and cuisine contribute to a special sense of place. The wines and the place give all of us at Jordan the rewarding feeling that our work is bringing pleasure to the many people who drink the wine and visit the estate.
THE WINERY
Completed in 1976, the winery was designed by the San Francisco architectural firm of Backen, Arrigoni & Ross, and was inspired by several 18th Century French chateaux.
On approach, the winding driveway offers brief, momentary glimpses of the building, culminating in a full, dramatic view of the building. Surrounded by formal French gardens with clipped privet hedges, poplar trees and pollarded sycamores, it is situated on a hilltop in order to maximize panoramic views of the Alexander Valley and surrounding features, including Geyser Peak and Mount St. Helena.
The elegant yet casual main façade, with its golden yellow plaster finish, stone quoins and clay roof tiles, is enveloped in Boston ivy that changes color with the seasons. The building contains modern wine-making facilities, offices, a wine library, a formal French dining room and adjacent kitchen facilities, and three guest suites for wine trade visitors. A handsome terrace is utilized for outdoor entertaining, and affords a magnificent view of the valley below.
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