The Ordaz Family Wine story starts when Jesus Ordaz, known as Chuy (CHEW-ey) came to Sonoma California in 1972 at the age of 20. United States border control would “catch” him 32 times before he successfully made it across the border from Mexico into California. Ordaz came from a farming background in Mexico and would soon continue as a farmer overseeing the vineyards at Kenwood Winery. Ordaz has spent most of his adult life working in the vineyards of Sonoma County. Ordaz is credited with managing some of the most noteworthy Sonoma Valley vineyards. Early on he took a stand for organic and sustainable practices in the vineyards he managed.
When the Kenwood Winery was sold in the late 1990’s, Ordaz soon started his own vineyard management company, Palo Alto Vineyard Management, farming over 500 acres of Sonoma County vineyards. In 2009, Ordaz founded Ordaz Family Wines. Ordaz’s son, Eppie took over as winemaker in 2013. Eppie is committed to producing single-vineyard wines that showcase the vineyard and also those who farm it. The grapes for the Ordaz Family Wines are sourced from vineyards that are either leased or contracted-farmed. Ordaz’s goal is to own his own vineyards. Ordaz Family Wines are proving that a memorable wine starts in the vineyard.
2014 Ordaz Family Wines, Pinot Noir Placida Vineyard, Russian River Valley, 13.7% ABV, $38 SRP (135 cases produced)
Light ruby in color with a vanilla, toasty, clove nose. On the palate flavors of red fruit – cherry, cola, structured tannins but with a silky mouth feel.
Food Pairing – Mustard Chicken from My Paris Kitchen: Recipes and Stories
2012 Ordaz Family Wines, Malbec Sandoval Vineyard, Sonoma Valley, 13.6% ABV, $25 SRP (136 cases produced)
Medium dark garnet in color with notes of plum and a hint of berry. On the palate red fruit, blueberries, mocha and medium almost light mouth feel.
Food Pairing – Shiitake, Onion, Pepper, and Manchego Tartlets. (Recipe coming soon on Always Ravenous)
The wine samples were provided by Ordaz Family Wines as part of #winestudio, an educational program organized by Tina Morey. Join the #winestudio conversation Tuesday at 9pm EST on Twitter.
Sources I consulted for this blog post:
Ordaz Family Wines
San Francisco Chronicle – Wine Country’s Unsung Hero – Chuy Ordaz
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