2012 Jordan Cabernet Sauvignon
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Tasting notes
The 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon is surprisingly youthful, especially in the primary nature of the ripe black cherry fruit. The same graphite-laden "Bordeaux-ish" style that informs the rest of the wines is certainly present here, but the 2012 has an extra dose of plushness that really works in its favor. Overtones of bay laurel and grilled herbs season the long finish. Best of all, this should easily cruise for another five to seven years, as the fruit is still really fresh and present.
Critic scores
Julia Harding MW, jancisrobinson.com
Billy Norris, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Barrel sample. Founded 1976 by Tom Jordan with help from André Tchelistcheff and now run by his son John. Rob Davis winenaker unable to attend because of the demands of the 2013 harvest but the tech sheet was very informative. This may not be the final blend but it is 77.8% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15.4% Merlot, 4.8% Petit Verdot, 1.7% Malbec, 0.3% Cabernet Franc, with 90.5% from Alexander Valley, 7.2% Mendocino County, 2.3% Dry Creek Valley. Very similar harvest dates to those of 2011. One of the best vintages in more than 30 years. Fruit sourced primarily from early-ripening vineyards from the east side of the Russian River near Geyserville, including estate fruit and grapes from more than a dozen family growers. Lots kept separate by vineyard; alcoholic fermentation of 11 days with extended skin contact of 17 days; malolactic fermentation took place for 30 days in upright oak casks before blending. 12 months (in progress) in 69% French and 31% American oak barrels; 33% new oak. Anticipated bottle ageing of an additional 24 months prior to release in 2016. Bright red. Cherry red. Both juicy and dry. I'm not sure I would guess it was Cabernet Sauvignon if I had it blind because tannins are already so velvety for this stage, gentle but not overly soft. (JH)