Jordan Debuts First Jordan Sauternes by Château Guiraud

Jordan Vineyard & Winery is excited to unveil the 2022 Jordan Sauternes, crafted in partnership with Château Guiraud, a renowned Premier Grand Cru Classé estate, in the heart of France’s legendary Sauternes region. This limited-edition late-harvest wine marks the return of Jordan’s dessert winemaking tradition honoring the 40th anniversary of Jordan’s Rivière Russe, introduced in 1982. A masterful blend of sauvignon blanc and sémillon, the 2022 Jordan Sauternes showcases a luxurious balance of richness, vibrancy and layered complexity. This collaboration is a testament to both wineries’ unwavering dedication to quality, culinary excellence, warm hospitality and the preservation of their biodiverse estates.

For more than 50 years, Jordan has embraced the traditions of France’s esteemed château estates and winemaking techniques. Winery founders, Tom and Sally Jordan, were particularly captivated by the legendary Sauternes of Château d’Yquem. In 1979, they entrusted Jordan’s founding winemaker, Rob Davis, with the ambitious task of crafting a late-harvest wine, which they named Rivière Russe, a tribute to the Russian River that winds around the south and east border of the Jordan Estate. Hoping that the fog-laden climate, reminiscent of Bordeaux’s renowned terroir could replicate the misty conditions of Sauternes – where the Garonne River meets the Ciron – Davis believed it could foster the noble rot (Botrytis cinerea) essential for Sauternes-style winemaking. His pursuit of perfection led him to Château d’Yquem in 1981, where he deepened in expertise in the intricate craft of late-harvest winemaking. Despite his dedication, nature proved unpredictable, and Jordan’s Rivière Russe only saw three vintages – 1982, 1983 and 1985 – before production ceased due to the challenges of cultivating botrytized grapes. Now, more than 40 years later, Jordan proudly revives its late-harvest tradition in collaboration with Château Guiraud, offering a refined expression of the past by making a great wine of noble rot.

Guided by the expertise of Château Guiraud’s esteemed winemaker, Sandrine Garbay, who brings a wealth of knowledge from Château d’Yquem, the 2022 Jordan Sauternes is a testament to precision, artistry and heritage. Further, both wineries are led by female winemakers showcasing the expertise and leadership of women in the world of fine wine. The Jordan Sauternes’ exquisite blend of 65% sémillon and 35% sauvignon blanc is meticulously hand-harvested in successive passes to ensure the purity and harmony of flavors—an approach that mirrors Jordan Chardonnay’s dedication to hand-harvesting. Aged for 18 months in oak barrels, the wine unfolds in a symphony of exotic fruit, delicate floral notes and a beautifully balanced mouthfeel. Honoring its prestige and heritage, the Jordan Sauternes features a refined, custom label that pays tribute to the original packaging of Jordan’s Rivière Russe. Its radiant golden hue is beautifully accentuated by the luxurious gold foil that adorns the 375mL bottle, reflecting the elegance within. Classified as a Premier Grand Cru under the historic 1855 Bordeaux Classification, this exceptional vintage pays homage to the time-honored techniques of Sauternes winemaking while celebrating a new chapter in Jordan’s legacy.

The partnership between Jordan and Château Guiraud not only marks the long-awaited return of Jordan’s late-harvest wine but also underscores the alignment of both estates’ core values – sustainable farming, balanced winemaking and a dedication to culinary hospitality. Nestled in France’s Sauternes appellation, Château Guiraud spans more than 128 hectares of organically farmed vineyards and proudly stands as the first Sauternes Grand Cru Classé Sauternes with an organic farming certification in 2011. Much like Jordan’s bountiful 1,200-acre estate, biodiversity is central to Guiraud’s philosophy, with more than 650 insect species thriving in harmony among the grapevines. Both wineries champion a farm-to-table approach, weaving sustainability into their culinary programs – Jordan’s Executive Chef Jesse Mallgren curates seasonal dishes from the estate’s sustainable winery garden and farm, while Château Guiraud showcases its own organic vegetable gardens at its acclaimed restaurants, La Chapelle de Guiraud and Le Cercle Guiraud.

The 2022 Jordan Sauternes ($49/375mL) makes its public debut on May 1, 2025, at the Jordan Estate, with online availability beginning May 5. Shipping is available only to residents in California, Florida, Minnesota, Oregon, South Carolina and Virginia. For a limited time, it will also be served at select winery dinners and culinary events, in addition to several tasting experiences such as the Winery Tour & Tasting and Chef’s Terrace Tasting. Executive Chef Jesse Mallgren and Winemaker Maggie Kruse look forward to crafting bespoke food pairings with the Jordan Sauternes, providing a refined finale to the winery experience after savoring the Jordan Chardonnay and Jordan Cabernet Sauvignon.