S
pring. A season for hope. A season where the past is forgotten. It is a time of promise for a new vintage. 2018 is especially exciting, as we trust that Mother Nature will return to a bit of normalcy compared to last year. 2017 was a year of records: record winter rain, record summer heat and record wind in October that fueled record fires on the North Coast. Each vintage brings promise, and despite the crazy weather we experienced in 2017, both our chardonnay and cabernet are impressing our winemaking team with fruit intensity and a structure that seems to defy memory of weather conditions that were anything but moderate. I am sure site selection of our vineyard sources has a lot to do with it. But one of the shining events of 2017 is that the abundant winter rain refilled our reservoirs. That is a positive in any year. With ample water reserves carrying over into 2018, our mood is sanguine with the hope that our Mediterranean climate nurtures the next vintage into another classic.
This year, we release the 2014 Jordan Cabernet Sauvignon and 2016 Chardonnay—two vintages that share even numbers, but the conditions of the vintages could not be more different. While 2014 enjoyed dry, warm weather most of the year and a plentiful crop, 2016 experienced a mild winter, an early budbreak, a slightly below-normal crop size, no significant heat spikes and an early finish to the harvest. The 2014 Jordan Cabernet Sauvignon is the third in a string of simply incredible vintages: 2012-2013-2014 may be the best trio in a century.
The 2014 has simply stunning fruit with layer upon layer of blackberry, black cherry and cassis. The wine’s structure is a reflection of the impact of our increase in French oak and how it beautifully refines and lengthens the finish of our wine. For Jordan Chardonnay, the 2016 is reminiscent of the 2015— vibrant and precise upon release, taking a cue from the cooler climate of Chablis. The beguiling aroma of citrus blossoms leads to succulent flavors of lemon peel and crisp pears with a firm structure of acidity. This wine will delight any chef who desires a pairing of seductive flavors.
As we look to a new year of exciting opportunities, we also are reminded of how established family wineries continue to become rarer in the wine industry. It brings me great pleasure to look back at how Jordan has evolved, especially under the direction of John Jordan. All of us are so blessed to be able to pursue our passion and to continue to be inspired to improve every part of our craft. I hope you agree when you sample our new releases. Swirl, sniff, sip, exhale and don’t forget to smile.
Cheers,
Rob Davis Winemaker
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