Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Wine Review Wednesday: Jordan Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley 2006

Jordan, one of the most easily and instantly recognizable of California’s classic producers, has been releasing stellar wine for as long as I’ve been tasting. Longer than that, in fact: As a child in my parents’ house, I have distinct memories of my father uncorking the occasional bottle of Jordan Cab with great care and reverence. This was special occasion wine, after all, meant to be savored and assessed as deeply as it demanded.


All these years later, Jordan is still doing it as well as it always has, and the Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley 2006 is no exception. Aromas of cedar, humidor, graphite, and currents, as well as blueberry and blackberry, rise from the glass. There’s also a note of sandalwood in there, providing a hint of the exotic, the spicy.


For all that aromatic complexity, however, this is still a young wine, and the palate is rather taut at this stage of its evolution. There’s a good bit of berry fruit in there, but right now it's defined by nutmeg, clove, cinnamon, lavender, and mineral flavors, which themselves are softened by a sense of creaminess hovering at the edges. The finish is a bit brambly, and a fleeting intimation of herbes de Provence slowly fades away, adding one last piece to this already complex, exceptionally food-friendly Cabernet that will continue to evolve and reward for at least another 10 years. (75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19.5% Merlot, 4.5% Petit Verdot, 1% Malbec)

3 comments:

Lisa Mattson, Jordan Winery on July 30, 2010 at 10:10 AM said...

Brian,

Glad you enjoyed the 2006 vintage. I think your recent tasting of a library vintage at the Wine Media Guild event certainly made for interesting context, as well as your past experiences with more recent vintages.

If you'd like to include a video embed, you will find a link to our 2006 Cab video with Rob Davis here:
http://blog.jordanwinery.com/2010/05/new-vintages-released-the-historical-significance-of-2008-chardonnay-and-2006-cabernet-sauvignon/

Cheers,
Lisa
http://blog.jordanwinery.com

Unknown on January 3, 2011 at 12:56 AM said...

Know the Jordan Cabs well.
Had a longtime friend, chef restauranteur
who named his Son after Jordan.

Sunday Jan 2nd.
Watched MondoVino over the holiday.
Hoping that Jordan is not like Ornellaia,
which they admit is "globalized."
Ludovico Antinori admits that the smoothing of
the edges, and character of wine has undermined the true adventure, that was wine.

Note: when Parker gave Ornellaia "Best Wine in the World," it went up 200%.

Say a prayer for Jordan. Going to drink it now.

Lisa Mattson on March 7, 2011 at 9:00 AM said...

Hi Vigo,

We don't send our wines to Parker, and the Jordans take a long-term view on pricing. We continue to be proud of the fact that we make a $100 bottle of wine for $50.

Cheers,
Lisa
http://blog.jordanwinery.com

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