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Jordan Turns 40. Not Michael, Silly…The Winery

  • Blanca Valbuena
  • April 20, 2012

For wine lovers throughout the world, Jordan is always heard in high regard. The California winery has become a name for quality wine in the US. Jordan started 40 years ago on May 25. Tom and Sally Jordan signed the deed on their first piece of land in Alexander Valley. It also happens to be their son’s birthday (pretty fortuitous I say).

I recently attended Jordan’s birthday celebration in New York. This was one of the best wine events I have attended. It was their Big Bottle Big Apple Party. It took place at the rooftop of the Dreams Hotel Downtown, the view was simply incredible. The party was attended by wine buyers from all of NY’s notable restaurants, clubs and wine shops. I even got to reminisce with my friends from Lauber Imports (SWS). They were my distributors when I was in the industry.

The best part of the tasting were the large format vintages of Jordan that were served. We tasted vintages from the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s. All were superb. Just goes to show what the longevity of properly made wine is. The picture above is of Ronald Du Preez, the assistant wine maker, pouring a 6 liter bottle of 1979 Jordan Cabernet.

Jordan Turns 40. Not Michael, Silly…The WineryFor those of you who are not familiar, here’s a little info on Jordan. Jordan Vineyard & Winery is nestled in Sonoma’s Alexander Valley. They are known for making outstanding (very well selling) Cabernet Sauvignon. Jordan is one of the most popular wines in restaurants. It ranks frequently at the #1 spot in the Cabernet category (10 times as 1st and 10 times as 2nd in Wine and Spirits), and has never ranked out of the top 10.

This is a good and a bad thing. The bad part of this is that demand for Jordan is high. The wines are not cheap; and people who are not well versed in wine tend to drink them too young. If you ask me, Jordan’s wines benefit from cellaring. The older vintages we tasted at the party were sublime. I was glad for this once in a lifetime opportunity. I am hoping the winery has enough old vintages stashed away for us to taste since all the nouveau riche is drinking the wine when it is not ready.

I think you should pick up some Jordan today…then hide it where you can’t find it, so you can enjoy it 10, 20 and even 30 years from now. With wines like this, it is nice to schedule a date, say every 10 years and keep notes of how the wine (and your palate) evolve.

As for me, I’m well overdue for a visit to Sonoma. I think I see one in my future.

Jordan Winery is located at 1474 Alexander Valley Road in Healdsburg, California. You can schedule tasting visits on their website.

Thanks to Joao Rodrigues for the connection and to Jordan Winery for the pictures and the fabulous party.

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