I recently went to Sonoma for a weekend with my AMAZING Nana (grandma) for a girls weekend and to celebrate my birthday, and let me say if you enjoy wine you have to find yourself tasting the day away at Jordan.  Our first stop on day number two was at Jordan Estates – this was the most breath taking Estate I had ever visited.

Our visit to the Estate started with a tour of the property to look out along the endless rolling hills covered in vines.  It was beautiful, I didn’t ever want to leave.  I wouldn’t mind plopping myself down on a chair and watching the seasons change right from that very spot.

After getting the opportunity to see the property we went inside for the first tasting of the afternoon, a 2008 Chardonnay, Russian River Valley.  This Chardonnay was fantastic and when paired with the Hamachi Sashimi and Black Caviar with Daikon Radishes the wine really came to life.  The wine by itself was delicious, perfectly light with a crisp scent of apple and pear, exactly what I want from a Chardonnay.

The barrel room was attached to the first tasting room and was amazing in it grander.  Once walking into the room you are seduced by a delicious smell of oak… a blend of French and American oak.  Traditionally the barrels will last for about 5 years before they become neutral, but Jordan Estates only uses theirs for two to three years.  Only the best!

After we spend some time in the barrel room we went back into the main portion of the Estate for our second pairing in the library.  The pairing was of a 2000 Cabernet Sauvignon, Alexander Valley and New Zealand Venison on a rye tostini with an aioli sauce.  I would not mind dedicating an entire afternoon to tasting and paring these two things together over and over.

 

After this we discover there is a “secret room” connected to the library where are able to enjoy two more fantastic Cabernet Sauvignon’s.  The first, and my favorite, was the 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon, Alexander Valley.  It was well-balanced and beautifully paired with a plate of cheeses.  We had a trio of cheeses, the first being a Mt. Tam Triple Cream (great in a dried fruit tostini), then a Loma Alta “Black Mountain” Swiss style cheese and a Flagship Reserve Truckle Swiss Cheese.  This was a beautiful mix of cheeses that also paired wonderfully with the last wine, a 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon, Alexander Valley.  Being able to taste the three different years and experience how the wines changed over time was a treat.  Wine has a fantastic way of changing and growing over time.

 

My visit to Jordan Estate was amazing, I felt like I was visiting a French Chateau without the jet lag.  The Estate really was a magical place and the wine and food pairings made it become something else entirely.  I left with a great bottle of the 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon and Perfect Pairings, a cookbook by Evan Goldstein to continue enjoying what I love so much, food and wine.

I would also like to thank my amazing tour guide, Pete, it was a pleasure exploring the Estate and discovering Jordan wines with you.  I can not wait to visit again and treat myself to all the beauty that is Jordan Estate.  Thank you!