1981 Jordan Vineyard & Winery Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley

Community Tasting Notes (34) Avg Score: 92.9 points

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  12/13/2023 - BellevuePhil Likes this wine: 93 Points

  As a connoisseur of life's adventures, I've found solace and delight in exploring the depths of the world's finest wines. The 1981 Jordan Vineyard & Winery Cabernet Sauvignon from the Alexander Valley surprisingly embodies an intriguing narrative of refinement and allure. While it may not boast the flamboyance of a Screaming Eagle, this wine, which once carried a price tag under 22 bucks in the vibrant '80s, surprises with its classic elegance.
  
  Making room for my Roths, Eagles, and Mouton’s I’ve been weeding my cellar of these pesky Napa valley’s (all except Opus and Eagle of course). By chance looking for my cat I blew off the cobwebs to find a case of this wine my mother purchased for 13 coins back in the day ….seeing my father passed today, I popped it. All the yellowed note said "Serve the musicians for the Mozart thing”.
  
  Transporting me back to an era of discovery and youthful fervor when Lady Dianna was married, Columbia took off, and Raiders of the lost Ark dropped, this vintage invokes memories reminiscent of a time when the world was an open canvas before the ships came, before they emptied the shores of a pristine nation and created our reality. This wine resonates with an aura akin to the sophistication and prestige of a Bordeaux from the illustrious left bank. The depth of character in each sip captivates the senses, unfolding a tale of rich heritage and meticulous craftsmanship.
  
  I remember her purchasing this wine. As my Mother told it one Christmas eve, Daddy had bartered or bribed a copy of one of Mozart’s undiscovered Symphonies from a library in Munich. Mozart composed the piece when he was but a lad of 9 and gathering four of the best classical musicians from the San Fran symphony, Daddy paid them to perform this piece at the estate for the first time. They had an hour to rehearse and it came off without a hitch and in a nutshell that is the memory this Cabernet Sauvignon echoes for me.
  
  The elixir entices the palate with a symphony of flavors that dance gracefully on the tongue. Its bouquet is a harmonious blend of dark berries, hints of cassis, and subtle notes of oak, woven seamlessly together like the strings of a mellifluous melody. Each sip unveils layers of complexity, revealing nuances that speak of careful aging and impeccable cellar craftsmanship.
  
  However, beyond the enigmatic allure of the wine itself lies a personal memory intertwined with its essence. It also reminds me of an encounter from the past, the red-haired wife of the winemaker, who, in a moment of youthful curiosity, showed me the cellar's hidden treasures. Her presence, much like this vintage, was enigmatic and alluring, leaving an indelible mark on my journey through the world of wine forever, not to mention a shot in the ass daddy had to administer 15 days later.
  
  The 1981 Jordan Vineyard & Winery Cabernet Sauvignon from the Alexander Valley is a testament to time, displaying a graceful evolution that only enhances its allure. Its velvety texture and well-integrated tannins speak volumes about its pedigree, inviting one to indulge in its refined charm.
  
  For an aficionado who revels in life's adventures and appreciates the artistry of fine wine, this vintage resonates on a deeper level. It serves as a reminder of the elegance and sophistication that can be captured in a bottle, reminiscent of cherished moments and the thrill of discovery.
  
  In conclusion, this Cabernet Sauvignon from 1981 is not merely a wine; it's an embodiment of memories, craftsmanship, and the timeless elegance of a bygone era—a treasure that evokes emotions and whispers tales of passion and refinement with each delightful sip.
  
  Cheers to the memories!
  
  NOTE TO SELF: DECANT ONE HOUR PUURFECT.

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  10/20/2023 - dwaller Likes this wine:

  A nice and powerful nose of old books, green bell pepper and black truffle. The palate was primarily red fruit supported by an acidic backbone, with mushroom and some warm winter spice. This wine was concentrated and drinking like something half its age. Very enjoyable over the course of an evening. The wine had lost a dimension by day two, so best to consume upon opening.

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  7/28/2023 - Bjb81 Likes this wine: 93 Points

  Muted dried fruit, barrel character, spice, earth. Amazing silky smooth masterpiece.

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  4/13/2023 - paulst Likes this wine: 90 Points

  Tar; light blackberry; mature.

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  3/3/2023 - paulst Likes this wine: 95 Points

  Cedar and blackberry and light licorice; sweet long finish.

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