Jordan Estate Tales - Volume 6, 2011 - 10

Rob & John in our Bacchus Courtyard.

john jordan’s path After my

first meeting with John, I felt revitalized. “What tools
do you need to raise quality even higher?” he’d asked.
We talked about the importance of site over vineyard
husbandry and the wonderful grape growers in the
area with vineyards planted on ideal soils.
John quickly realized if he wanted me to make the
best possible wine, he’d have to change course from
his parents’ original vision of the estate model.
Not an easy decision for a 33-year-old.
With John’s full support, we accelerated the
acquisition of vineyard sites that appealed directly
to the promotion of Cabernet intensity—more
blackberry and cassis flavors with a reduction of
herbaceousness.
John’s new direction has been a big step toward
making a great wine, but the idea certainly was
not radical. Winemakers have learned over the
centuries that great wines are products of great
vineyards, where the cultivar (or grape varieties)
matches the soil and climate.

Alexander Valley is endowed with a rich array of
soil types, and I am constantly identifying
and discovering great sites that are ideal for
our house style. I work closely with respected
families like the Munselles, Mazzonis, Dilworths,
Vybornys and the Millers. In fact, Justin Miller’s
dad rented me my first house back in 1976,
and now I work with his son, nurturing their
Merlot and Cabernet vineyard—the same vineyard
I’d admired outside the living room window of
my first wine country home.
John is at the winery every day and he personally
involves himself in every department. Similar to
his father, he sets a high bar for proficiency, but he
is much more involved in the details. His curiosity
and humility provide a strong groundwork for
working together to continually strive to raise
our standards for the winery. Our 2006 Cabernet
Sauvignon was the first vintage reflecting John’s
contributions to the evolution of Jordan wine, built
on Tom’s strong foundation.
The benefit of working for a single owner cannot be
underestimated: quick and direct feedback is critical
to moving ahead and adapting when necessary.
We’re never delayed or diverted by multiple
levels of analysis, which can detract from some of
the more time-sensitive decisions necessary for
great winemaking.
Particularly delightful is John’s goal of making
every aspect of the winery top of the line, from
the winemaking and hospitality experience to the
stewardship of our land.

10

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j3TZ41TdSBA http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BcbDfqsGU6c http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vVPiC8Atn7w http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vVPiC8Atn7w

Jordan Estate Tales - Volume 6, 2011

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Jordan Estate Tales - Volume 6, 2011