Jordan Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon 1997
Jordan Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon 1997 is a 12.8% ABV Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon from Jordan Vineyard & Winery in Healdsburg, California — a 77.7% Cabernet Sauvignon / 22.3% Merlot Bordeaux blend from the 1997 vintage. Harvested September 4-26, 1997 and aged 12 months in French and American small oak plus 6 months in large oak cooperage, it was bottle-aged a further 16 months at the winery before its October 1, 2000 release. It is available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
- ABV: 12.8%
- Size: 750mL
- Vintage: 1997 — harvested Sep 4-26, 1997; bottled June-July 1999; released October 1, 2000
- Origin: Jordan Vineyard & Winery, Healdsburg, CA — Alexander Valley (bottle labeled "Sonoma County")
- Blend: 77.7% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22.3% Merlot; 13-day stainless fermentation; 2-week malolactic in large oak cooperage; 12 mo in 62% French / 38% American small oak + 6 mo large oak cooperage
A Library Vintage, Done the Jordan Way
Jordan's house style has always been patience: the 1997 Cabernet spent 12 months in small oak barrels (62% French, 38% American) and another 6 months in large oak cooperage, was bottled in the summer of 1999, and then sat 16 more months at the winery so it would arrive "elegant and approachable." The 1997 harvest began a month early, and the winemaking team increased the level of new oak to match the vintage's tannin complexity. Official tasting notes describe it as richly textured and full-bodied — black cherry, blackberry, and cassis with slight notes of cedar and leather over a subtle framework of oak and vanilla. Wine Spectator scored it 88. Explore the Jordan Winery collection, more red wine, and Del Mesa's California wine shelf.
Tasting Notes
Black cherry, blackberry, and cassis; slight cedar and leather; a subtle framework of oak and vanilla. Richly textured, full-bodied. Official winery notes.
How to Enjoy
Decant 30-60 minutes before serving at cellar temperature. Pair with grilled ribeye, lamb, or aged hard cheeses — this is a classic Bordeaux-blend dinner wine.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the blend of Jordan 1997 Cabernet?
77.7% Cabernet Sauvignon and 22.3% Merlot, per the winery's official tech sheet.
Is it Alexander Valley or Sonoma County?
Both — the winery is in Alexander Valley; the 1997 bottle label reads "Sonoma County" (CellarTracker lists the 1996-2001 vintages that way).
When was it released?
October 1, 2000 — after 16 months of bottle aging at the winery.
A quarter-century-old California classic — order Jordan 1997 Cabernet Sauvignon online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.