Jordan 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon, Alexander Valley

Jordan Vineyards almost single-handedly put Alexander Valley on the map. Since the release of 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. For this 2012, more than 60 vineyard blocks from Jordan Estate and 16 family growers were sourced. The grape lots are kept separate by vineyard. Each gets 12 days extended maceration and every lot is reevaluated after primary fermentation. Malolactic fermentation is completed in upright oak casks before assemblage to create the "barrel blend." Five French and three American barrel coopers selected based on blind tastings and vintage flavor profile; primarily medium toast. The wines are aged in 69% French and 31% American oak barrels for 12 months; 41% new. Post malolactic fermentation, individual lots are blind tasted and ranked, then assembled into the "barrel blend." After one year in barrels, the "barrel blend" is reassessed and only top lots are combined for the final master blend. This 2012 is 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot and 2% Malbec. Wine Enthusiast Magazine scored it 91 points saying "This is a complex, layered and elegantly conceived wine, enjoyable now in its juicy waves of red currant and cassis and a background hint of brown sugar and toasted oak." and Wine Review Online just scored it 95 points saying "Jordan consistently makes a beautifully graceful Cabernet Sauvignon. The 2012 is even more so, full-flavored, yet elegant with a suave texture. Although a mouth-filling wine, it is not heavy. It impresses with its elegance and complexity, not brute force. Layers of red and black fruit flavors intermingle with herbal earthy notes. It displays exceptional complexity and length. A hallmark of the Jordan's Cabernets is the enjoyment they provide upon release. The 2012 fits that mold perfectly. But don't be deceived; Jordan's Cabernets develop beautifully with decades of bottle age, so there's no rush to drink the 2012."