Back in 1980, Jeff Gordon, along with his wife, Vicki and brother Bill, planted vines in the southeastern Washington’s Columbia Valley. Dr. Walter Clore felt that the 200 acre parcel of land would be a great spot to grow wine, near the Snake and Columbia Rivers. Gordon Estate has been family owned and operated since 1983, and released their first wine in 1985, an estate Chardonnay wine produced from their estate vines. Rebranded in 2012 as Gordon Estate, the winery produces a host of different varietals, from Rose, to Ice Wine to Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon.
I recently had the opportunity to try their top ‘Reserve’ bottlings. Both wines were really wonderful expressions of their varietal. Their 2016 ‘Reserve’ Chardonnay (WWB, 92) shows a good freshness and mid-palate weight. This delicious wine will cellar well over the next five plus years, most likely picking up some nice secondary characteristics as it ages. The 2012 Gordon Estates ‘Reserve’ Cabernet Sauvignon (WWB, 92) is drinking marvelously at the moment, showing lush dark fruit flavors and a silky mouthfeel. Learn more about these wines at https://gordonwines.com Here are the new Reserve wines by Gordon Estate.
2016 Gordon Estate ‘Reserve’ Chardonnay- This golden hued wine starts off with aromatics reminiscent of baked Pazzaz apple, creme brûlée and ripe banana. Smooth and downright delicious, the wine delivers Pink Lady apple, vanilla creme brûlée and lemon meringue flavors. The mouthfeel is impressive. Drink 2018-2024- 92
2012 Gordon Estate ‘Reserve’ Cabernet Sauvignon- Ultra-rich and decadent straight out of the gate, this wine starts off with prune, loganberry preserves and milk chocolate on the nose. The palate shows a wonderful mouthfeel as the wine reveals black tea, milk chocolate and black cherry candy flavors that connect with a nice tension. Smooth and balanced, enjoy this great wine over the next five plus years. Drink 2018-2024- 92