Rodney Strong- Cabernet Sauvignon

Name: Rodney Strong

Variety: 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Merlot, 4% Zinfandel, 2% Cabernet Franc, 1% Malbec, 1% Petite Sirah, and 1% Syrah

Region: Sonoma County, CA

Country: United States

Vintage Year: 2019

Price: $20

Winery Review: "This broad, rich and easy-sipping wine features soft tannins around ripe, jammy blackberries and blackcurrants on a full body. Hints of maple, vanilla and milk chocolate show how indulgent it is."

Wine Folly: Rodney Strong planted his first Cabernet vineyard in 1971. 2019 was a great vintage in California. In Sonoma County it started with a copious amount of rain saturating the soil in late winter and early spring. Early summer heat waves acclimated the vines to warmer weather, which allowed the grapes to withstand a later heat spell in August, moving the sugars higher and allowing flavors to ripen. The harvest took place September 27 - November 2. The Sonoma County region silently produces almost 2 times as much wine as Napa Valley. 

My Review: The edges have a lush strawberry color slowly fading into a deeper cherry and ruby red as you move farther in. This wine has a strong smell of ripe cherry on the nose. The first sip punches a sharp acidic taste. As it lingers, the dark cherry and plum fruits combine with sharp baking spices to create a nice blend of bold flavors. The wine has medium tannins and finishes with spicy oak flavors that are smooth on the throat. I really enjoyed this wine. I'd recommend letting it decant for an hour before serving. Overall, I give Rodney Strong's Cabernet Sauvignon an 8.5/10.