Jordan Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley 2014
Full-bodied red wine crafted in an Old World, food-friendly style inspired by Left Bank Bordeaux, focusing on elegance, moderate alcohol, and balanced acidity rather than over-extraction. · Jordan Vineyard & Winery is a renowned family-owned estate founded in 1972 by Tom and Sally Jordan. Modeled after the great wine estates of Bordeaux, Jordan has consistently focused on producing a single, food-friendly, classically styled Cabernet Sauvignon and a Russian River Valley Chardonnay. Located in Sonoma County, the winery holds an esteemed reputation for elegance, consistency, and culinary hospitality.
Vintage: 2014. The 2014 vintage in Sonoma County was characterized by an early, warm, and exceptionally dry growing season. Despite drought conditions, the weather allowed for even ripening and harvested grapes of high quality, yielding balanced wines with vibrant fruit and ripe tannins.
Type
Full-bodied red wine crafted in an Old World, food-friendly style inspired by Left Bank Bordeaux, focusing on elegance, moderate alcohol, and balanced acidity rather than over-extraction.
Producer
Jordan Vineyard & Winery is a renowned family-owned estate founded in 1972 by Tom and Sally Jordan. Modeled after the great wine estates of Bordeaux, Jordan has consistently focused on producing a single, food-friendly, classically styled Cabernet Sauvignon and a Russian River Valley Chardonnay. Located in Sonoma County, the winery holds an esteemed reputation for elegance, consistency, and culinary hospitality.
Country
United States. The US is a major New World wine producer, with California leading the charge. Known for innovative winemaking techniques, diverse microclimates, and AVA-based appellation laws, the US contributes significantly to global wine culture through premium varietal-focused wines.
Vintage
2014. The 2014 vintage in Sonoma County was characterized by an early, warm, and exceptionally dry growing season. Despite drought conditions, the weather allowed for even ripening and harvested grapes of high quality, yielding balanced wines with vibrant fruit and ripe tannins.
Region & Appellation
Alexander Valley AVA, Sonoma County, California, USA. Alexander Valley is known for producing supple, approachable Cabernet Sauvignon with distinctive herbal and black fruit notes, benefiting from warmer inland temperatures moderated by cool breezes from the Pacific Ocean via the Russian River.
Grape Varieties
Cabernet Sauvignon predominantly, typically blended with small percentages of Merlot, Petit Verdot, and Cabernet Franc to add complexity, color, and aromatic depth.
Color & Appearance
Deep ruby-garnet core with a developing ruby-brick rim, showing moderate viscosity and elegant legs that coat the glass, hinting at its maturity and concentration.
Aroma Profile
Expressive aromatics featuring ripe black cherry, cassis, and blackberry, layered with secondary notes of dried herbs, tobacco leaf, vanilla, and subtle French oak cedar spice.
Tasting Notes
A polished and harmonious palate featuring vibrant black fruit up front, evolving into a mid-palate rich with cassis, blackberry, and subtle earthiness. The finish is long, smooth, and laced with lingering dark fruit and refined spice.
Flavor Profile
Flavors of black currant, black cherry, and plum, complemented by savory touches of dried sage, graphite, cocoa powder, and well-integrated vanillin oak.
Body & Texture
Medium-plus to full-bodied with a luxurious, silky texture. The mouthfeel is refined and seamless, avoiding heaviness through balanced natural acidity.
Acidity & Tannins
Medium-high acidity provides a fresh, food-friendly backbone. Tannins are fine-grained, smooth, and well-polymerized, offering a gentle grip without astringency.
Sweetness Level
Dry, with zero residual sugar, though the ripe fruit profile imparts a perception of sweetness on the attack.
Alcohol Content
13.5% to 14.0% ABV, which is moderate for California Cabernet Sauvignon, contributing to a balanced, non-hot finish.
Aging & Oak
Aged primarily in French oak barrels (a mix of new and neutral wood) for approximately 12 months, followed by extensive bottle aging prior to commercial release to ensure approachability.
Food Pairings
Ideal with roasted rack of lamb, prime rib, grilled filet mignon, duck breast, or aged hard cheeses like aged gouda or white cheddar. The wine's acidity and structure cut through rich proteins.
Serving Suggestions
Serve at 60-65°F in a large Bordeaux glass. Decanting for 30 to 60 minutes is recommended to allow the complex aromas to open up. Drink now through its prime maturity window.
Price Range
$60 to $80 USD, representing premium value for a consistently high-scoring, age-worthy California Cabernet Sauvignon.
Quality Assessment
91-93 points. Considered an excellent, reliable, and premium-tier California Cabernet that prioritizes food compatibility and elegance over high-octane extraction.
Production Methods
Hand-harvested grapes sorted meticulously, destemmed and fermented in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks, followed by malolactic fermentation and careful barrel aging before light fining and filtration.
Terroir
Well-drained gravelly loam and alluvial soils on the benchlands of the Alexander Valley. Warm daytime temperatures are cooled by nighttime fog drawn up the Russian River valley, preserving natural acidity.
History & Heritage
Founded in 1972, Jordan was a pioneer in Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. Tom Jordan sought to create an American wine that could rival the finest growths of Bordeaux, establishing a lasting legacy of culinary pairing.
Interesting Facts
Jordan Vineyard & Winery is famous for its picturesque châteaux architecture, extensive wildlife conservation property, and steadfast refusal to alter its classic, food-friendly style despite shifting trends toward high-alcohol, blockbuster wines.
Cellaring Potential
Excellent cellaring potential. The 2014 vintage is drinking beautifully now at peak maturity, but can continue to develop tertiary leather and forest floor complexities through 2026-2030 if stored in optimal cellar conditions.
Similar Wines
Silver Oak Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, Caymus Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon, Stag's Leap Wine Cellars Artemis, and Mount Eden Vineyards Estate Cabernet Sauvignon.