Deep ruby color with slow legs. Oak, blackberry cassis and burnt toast on the nose. Plum, black tea, vanilla and stoniness on the palate. Long leathery finish.
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Let me first say that we enjoy Rodney Strong wines, particularly their Pinot and Chard, but this supposably is a Cab. This wine, a Reserve (?) is exhibit A as to why Sonoma Cabs will never successfully compete with Napa Cabs. The $35 cost was appreciated, but the wine was very fruit-forward, like a Syrah, so it was not varietally correct...perhaps Sonoma Cabs have a different taste to them, if so we were not impressed. An 89 because it was still a good wine, but would not repurchase as we don't care for the style and we value Cab that tastes like Cab, whether Napa or Left Bank Bordeaux. I do see this softening with further aging, but not super long-term aging.
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For the $29 I paid, it's pretty solid. Best comparison is to Caymus from 2012 forward. Same vanilla, but less of it. Similar fruit, but more of it. Unlike the Caymus, it actually has some structure, although it probably should be drunk pretty soon. A solid - not great - California cabernet. Did I mention that it cost about 1/3 what they're asking for Caymus?
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medium body, dark fruit aromas, smoky notes, mild cassis, prune flavors, smooth acid, moderate tannins, 88 first night, 82 second night, poor qpv @ $36
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Under Corona quarantine I’m able to order carry-out from the Yacht Club including wine. This was recommended by the manager, and, although not a big Rodney Strong fan, I added a bottle to my order. The result: A really interesting wine for it’s age. The initial taste are smooth and a bit chemical/metallic, maybe tin and zinc. Very different. Followed by a long lingering finish. This has a very specific taste. Maybe not for everyone. I like it and will buy more.
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I’m not a big follower of Decanter but decided to give this a shot in light of their 97 rating. In addition, it was highly recommended by a local rep - he thought it was a nice value. Dark ruby fruit - dark currants/cassis, blackberry, and dark cherry. Really smooth and solid depth/concentration especially for the price point - medium/medium plus body. Nice rich flavors of dark berries, some spice/licorice, and a little mineral component. Solid finish but not overly long nor deep. Popped/poured but drank out of a decanter for a couple hours. Improved a little with time. 91 for me at this stage and a decent QPR at just over $30. 100% cab.
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5/25/2023 - BigBatch wrote:
Excellent! Plummy and full. Delicious with a beautiful nose.
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3/30/2023 - mbrad wrote: 87 Points
Not a ton going on in here. Black fruit, cedar, dark chocolate. Medium high tannins, short finish.
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2/26/2023 - Night Train wrote: 85 Points
The very definition of "meh". Not unpleasant, but nothing to write home about. Definitely time to drink up.
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1/14/2023 - Twopawsup Likes this wine: 90 Points
Deep ruby color with slow legs. Oak, blackberry cassis and burnt toast on the nose. Plum, black tea, vanilla and stoniness on the palate. Long leathery finish.
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12/24/2022 - J8erGater wrote: 88 Points
Bold and jammy with chocolate and blackberry. Was a nice accompaniment to pasta and red meat, just slightly too sweet for me
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4/13/2022 - golfhawk Likes this wine: 89 Points
Real good Cab from R Strong. Nothing spectacular just a good balanced Cab that is drinking great
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2/6/2022 - Z1nnfull wrote: 89 Points
Let me first say that we enjoy Rodney Strong wines, particularly their Pinot and Chard, but this supposably is a Cab.
This wine, a Reserve (?) is exhibit A as to why Sonoma Cabs will never successfully compete with Napa Cabs. The $35 cost was appreciated, but the wine was very fruit-forward, like a Syrah, so it was not varietally correct...perhaps Sonoma Cabs have a different taste to them, if so we were not impressed. An 89 because it was still a good wine, but would not repurchase as we don't care for the style and we value Cab that tastes like Cab, whether Napa or Left Bank Bordeaux.
I do see this softening with further aging, but not super long-term aging.
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12/19/2021 - Night Train Likes this wine: 89 Points
For the $29 I paid, it's pretty solid. Best comparison is to Caymus from 2012 forward. Same vanilla, but less of it. Similar fruit, but more of it. Unlike the Caymus, it actually has some structure, although it probably should be drunk pretty soon. A solid - not great - California cabernet. Did I mention that it cost about 1/3 what they're asking for Caymus?
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11/3/2021 - Ben Christiansen wrote:
Done!
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9/28/2021 - ctopher2391 wrote:
Just okay.
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4/15/2021 - EdKz@comcast.net wrote: 85 Points
medium body, dark fruit aromas, smoky notes, mild cassis, prune flavors, smooth acid, moderate tannins, 88 first night, 82 second night, poor qpv @ $36
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11/18/2020 - Bob and Joli Likes this wine: 91 Points
This is a very good wine. Well blended, with complex, deep notes of dark fruits. Pairs well with any full-bodied entree.
Held up very well overnight. Should get even better in a few years.
Bring it out for your wine-savvy friends.
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9/4/2020 - wine_hunter wrote: 82 Points
Generally enjoyable, but nothing was outstanding about it. At the price point, there are better options.
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4/2/2020 - timfh Likes this wine: 91 Points
Under Corona quarantine I’m able to order carry-out from the Yacht Club including wine. This was recommended by the manager, and, although not a big Rodney Strong fan, I added a bottle to my order. The result: A really interesting wine for it’s age. The initial taste are smooth and a bit chemical/metallic, maybe tin and zinc. Very different. Followed by a long lingering finish. This has a very specific taste. Maybe not for everyone. I like it and will buy more.
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1/7/2020 - Badmonkey wrote: 91 Points
I’m not a big follower of Decanter but decided to give this a shot in light of their 97 rating. In addition, it was highly recommended by a local rep - he thought it was a nice value. Dark ruby fruit - dark currants/cassis, blackberry, and dark cherry. Really smooth and solid depth/concentration especially for the price point - medium/medium plus body. Nice rich flavors of dark berries, some spice/licorice, and a little mineral component. Solid finish but not overly long nor deep. Popped/poured but drank out of a decanter for a couple hours. Improved a little with time. 91 for me at this stage and a decent QPR at just over $30. 100% cab.
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12/21/2019 - Scottwhipp Likes this wine: 89 Points
Nose and taste of dark fruit (black currant) and sweet vanilla. Nice moderate tannins. Good wine.
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