Above. John Jordan,
shown here lunching
with Director of
Operations Tim
Spence, is a man of
countless projects.
Opposite top. The
signature chateau
was designed by
Backen, Arrigoni
& Ross.
Far right. Annual
production at Jordan
is approximately
100,000 cases
per year.
50 TheLandReport | WINTER
2012
2
012 has been a hallmark year for Jordan
Winery. The Sonoma County landmark
has celebrated its 40th anniversary with
events and tastings in Miami, New York,
Los Angeles, and Dallas. Those closer to the
family know that the winery's CEO, John
Jordan, celebrated the big 4-0 this year,
which leads one to ask which came first: John
Jordan or his family's winery? The answer is
an amazing blend of nature and necessity.
On May 25, 1972, Sally Jordan gave birth
to a baby boy at 8:05 a.m. in Denver. Minutes
later, Tom Jordan kissed his wife and their
newborn son goodbye, hurried to the airport,
and flew from Colorado to California,
where he proceeded to the Sonoma County
Courthouse. After closing on some 275
acres of prune orchards in the Alexander
Valley, he turned right around and flew
home to Denver. By nightfall, he was in the
Mile High City with Sally, John, and their
oldest daughter, Judy. (Younger sister Jenny
would join the brood a few years later.)
Soon a signature chateau, one that was
inspired by Tom and Sally's frequent trips
to France, took shape on the drawing boards
at the San Francisco architectural firm of
Backen, Arrigoni & Ross. It was completed
in 1976 just in time for the first Cabernet
Sauvignon harvest.
Old World elegance influenced more than
just the architecture. As plans for the chateau
took shape, the Jordans were able to entice
the legendary André Tchelistscheff to join
their nascent enterprise as a consultant.
Recognized internationally as one of the
leading enologists of the 20th century, the
Russian-born Tchelistscheff emphasized a
winemaking philosophy that focused on
balanced wines that were made in the
vineyard — not in the cellar. Much to their
credit, Tom and Sally eagerly embraced
Tchelistscheff's style, and since their first
vintage — 1976 — it has been the hallmark
of Jordan's award-winning Alexander Valley
Cabernet Sauvignon.
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