Russian River Valley
Located in the middle reaches of Sonoma County, Russian River Valley encompasses 150 square miles of bucolic pastures, orchards, vineyards and townships. The region's climate is sculpted by seasonal fog that ebbs and flows from the Pacific Ocean near its western boundary. These weather patterns are ideal for cool-climate varieties, particularly Chardonnay, affording grapes uncommon depth and richness while still maintaining bright, natural acidity.
Evolution
Winemaker Rob Davis transitioned from Alexander Valley Chardonnay grapes exclusively to Russian River Valley in 2000, seeking to capture the stone fruit flavors, vibrant acidity and minerality associated with the region's Chardonnays—characteristics found in his benchmark Burgundies: Puligny-Montrachet and Meursault.
Fruit Selection
The final blend of Jordan Chardonnay begins with nearly 20 different vineyard blocks from eight sites on the east side of the Russian River with gravelly, well-drained soils. These Russian River Valley vineyards are situated just 15 miles southwest of Jordan Estate yet enjoy temperatures up to 20 degrees lower than neighboring Alexander Valley. Some of the region's most notable vintners, including Copain, Paul Hobbs, Dave Ramey, Kistler and Martinelli, either neighbor our sites or source from the same vineyards. The exposed gravel deposits of these vineyards help give Jordan Chardonnay its elegance, minerality and lush, lingering finish.
Working closely with our growers, Rob Davis adapts every minute detail of nurturing vines based on constant changes during each growing season. His long-term relationships with our extended family and historical experience with each river benchland vineyard ensure grapes are grown to our standards and new vines planted to our specifications. Vines range in age from three to 35 years with a variety of Dijon and UC-Davis clones.
