Jordan 2011 Cabernet Sauvingnon, Alexander Valley, Magnum, 1.5L

Jordan Vineyards almost single-handedly put Alexander Valley on the map. Since the release their first wine, the 1976 Cabernet Sauvignon, they've been a standard bearer for what this warm-climate corner of Sonoma County can produce. And year after year Jordan's Cabernets continue to deliver bold, ripe flavors, beautifully polished with ideal balance for aging.

This 2011 is the latest release and it's a huge success for what was a very challenging vintage. 79% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot and 1% Malbec, they reduced production drastically to ensure that the wine they bottled was up to the usual Jordan standards. Wine was tasted and retasted many times all through the winemaking process and anything that didn't show was sold off for bulk wine. Barrel aging was just 12 months in 73% French and 27% American oak barrels; 37% new oak. And then as usual the wine was aged in bottle for 22 months at the winery so all of rough edged could be rounded off and the tannins could subside. The result is a solid, elegant, beautifully drinking Cabernet. A signature style of Jordan Cab, forward and supple yet well structured for aging in your cellar. It shows beautifully defined black cherry fruit with notes of vanilla and dark chocolate. Another winner!

Wine & Spirits scored it 92 points saying "Jordan has always hewed to a discrete style of cabernet - a style that was a natural match for the cool 2011 vintage. This is quiet and supple, garnet-red rather than purple, with aromas of rose and tobacco leaf lasting in a long, bright line of flavor. It's an elegant cabernet to decant now for duck breast or age for another five years or more." 

Wine Review Online scored it 94 points saying "I am an enthusiastic fan of Jordan’s Cabernets because the team there has, thankfully, resisted the California trend toward super ripe, super rich, bombastic wines. Although much has changed at Jordan since their founding -- the grapes no longer come solely from their vineyards -- they continue to focus on Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay and continue to produce harmonious wines. This 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon has plenty of plum-like fruit, but it also has finesse, grace and a modest 13.8% stated alcohol. It doesn’t assault your palate or shout, “look at me!” It’s a wine to drink and marvel at how it changes over the course of the meal, delivering more enjoyment with each sip. It’s easy to enjoy now, but Jordan’s Cabernet Sauvignon develops enormous complexity with a decade or two of bottle age -- another sign of a great wine -- so there’s no rush. And given the prices of California’s cult Cabernets, it’s a bargain for what it delivers."