Winemaker Notes
The continued addition of fruit from hillside vineyards and the blending of Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot with the Cabernet Sauvignon is responsible for the well integrated flavors, deep color and full mouth feel of the 2003 vintage. The vibrant blueberry qualities of the Petit Verdot marry well with the soft, alluring flavors of Merlot and contribute to the complexity of the masculine, tannic nature of the Cabernet Sauvignon. The 2003 Cabernet is very rich in texture with opulent flavors, a restrained framework of oak and a lingering finish of subtle earth, cigar tobacco and cedar.
Jordan Vineyard & Winery focuses on just three things: Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and hospitality. John Jordan’s guiding philosophy is that every vintage, every meal, and every tasting should be better than the last. There is a relentless drive to constantly perfect the craft.
Jordan wines are made in a more European style that allows them to pair well with a broad range of foods. Winemaking decisions emphasize the wine's fruit and acidity rather than alcohol and tannin, and achieving elegance and balance in the bottle drives all that Jordan does in the vineyards and cellar. More than three-quarters of the 1,200 acres that surround the Jordan Winery Chateau remain wild, open spaces that myriad animals and plants call home. Preserving natural habitat and conserving resources are two tenets in sustainability efforts. The winery runs almost entirely on solar energy, and the vineyards and winery are certified sustainable.
As one of California’s iconic producers of classic Cabernet Sauvignon, John Jordan believes that the success should be used for a greater good beyond the glass. Since 2012, a large portion of the profits from Jordan Winery fund The John Jordan Foundation, which works to fight the negative effects of poverty in communities through education and health services.
While Sonoma County is acclaimed—and rightfully so—for its Chardonnays, Pinot Noirs, and Zinfandels, it also produces exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon. Of the region’s 18 American Viticultural Areas, only a handful produce top-notch Cabernet Sauvignon. These appellations include Alexander Valley, Knights Valley, Sonoma Valley and Dry Creek Valley. Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignons made in these appellations can offer a complex array of aromas and flavors. Fruit notes such as blackberry, blackcurrant, cassis, black cherry and raspberry often are accompanied by hints of graphite, dusty earth, cigar box, toast and vanilla. The varietal has a rich history in Sonoma, and some of these Cabernet Sauvignons and Cabernet-based blends rival the best from Napa Valley.