Jordan Wine Country Table - Vol. 19, 2024 - 15

WINE
As a result of the cool vintage, flavors are bright and balanced,
with lovely acidity. The wine is currently showing citrus notes
combined with fresh Fuji apple character, along with richness
and weight on the palate.
BIG CABERNET YIELDS
The cool growing season allowed the cabernet sauvignon grapes
to mature at a steady pace, and the sugars were much lower than
in previous vintages. Such conditions are exactly what we want
for Jordan's elegant, lower-alcohol style of cabernet.
Though we received about an inch of rain between early September
and the end of October, it did not negatively affect the grapes.
Cabernet sauvignon has thicker skins than chardonnay, and it can
handle more precipitation without any detriment to quality or flavors.
We often feel as if all the fruit will be ready at once, but it is rare
when that actually happens. In the compressed harvest of 2023, it was
true. Although we began picking cabernet sauvignon on October 4,
almost a month later than in 2022, we brought in the last grapes
on November 1-only a couple weeks behind the previous year.
Finding tank space for all the fruit coming in simultaneously
was challenging in 2023, but we were grateful that we could
schedule picking when the grapes were ready, and we did not have
to compromise on harvest decisions.
We had a feeling going into harvest that cabernet sauvignon quality
was going to be fantastic, but we were not prepared for the late-season
sizing of the grapes. Yields were well above average, proving that some
vintages-like this one-can deliver high quality in addition to quantity.
So far, Jordan Cabernet Sauvignon from the 2023 vintage is showing
beautifully balanced flavors, tannins and weight. The cool season
allowed the tannins to fully develop without the sugars rising too high.
I can't wait to see how the wines from this incredible vintage
continue to evolve, and with the abundant yields, we will have plenty
of wine to share. P
" We had a feeling going into
harvest that cabernet sauvignon
quality was going to be fantastic,
but we were not prepared for the
late-season sizing of the grapes. "
MAGGIE KRUSE | Winemaker
CLOCKWISE
FROM TOP LEFT
A sunrise harvest at
Jordan's grower vineyard
above the Alexander Valley
floor; the noble cabernet
sauvignon enjoys extended
ripening; Russian River
Valley chardonnay grapes
arrive at the gondola once
hand-picked in the middle
of the night.
WINECOUNTRYTABLE.COM 15
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Jordan Wine Country Table - Vol. 19, 2024

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