1997 Rodney Strong Cabernet Sauvignon Alden Vineyards

Community Tasting Notes (4) Avg Score: 88.5 points

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  12/4/2008 - Battleship wrote: 90 Points

  Beautiful nose and elegant fruit, but the finish disappeared before it really even got started. Maybe too long in the decanter? It was in there for at least 1 hour before drinking. I agree with an earlier post that it delivered more on the nose than on the palate. More proof of CA Cabs not being built for aging.

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  12/26/2007 - Cincocat wrote:

  Needed about an hour to decant; Smooth and rich; even though at the end of the generally published drinking window, I think this would have lasted another year or two in the cellar.

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  6/30/2007 - MrDonutsu wrote: 89 Points

  Botttle had traveled a bit recently, so perhaps not the fairest of trial. Upon initial opening, thin fruit dominant with short closed finish. Showed much better on the nose than the palate. Deep garnet color of a well aged Cab. Decided to decant. After two hours, impressive opening of soft but complex Cab fruit & nice, suprisingly long lingering finish. Still somewhat thin on the palate but very enjoyable. Two more hours and the wine tastes younger yet - with some up front black pepper spice and a hint of tannin. Finish has closed off a bit again. After initial disappointment, this has been a very enjoyable ride - seeming to transform and evolve with each sip.

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  11/13/2006 - Philly-O wrote: 91 Points

  What a fun wine! Disappointed that it was my only bottle for this vintage. For this (mass)producer of wine, I think it offered a very intelligent blend of berry and as Don Adams would say, would you believe raspberry? Nonetheless, decanted 4 hours and was rewarded with a solid nose and structure one would expect from my favorite producer Joe Phelps. Consistent finish and may consider looking for more.

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