Visiting Rodney Strong Vineyards

Rodney Strong Vineyards
Tasted Friday, April 3, 2015 by odds with 281 views

Introduction

A nice way to start a Friday is in a tour with a winemaker. Especially one that has been in the business for quiet some time. So, we met Rick on Friday morning at the Rodney Strong Vineyard for a tour. Starting in the 1970's, Rick maybe one of the most knowledgeable individuals in Sonoma about the land, the soils and the development. We had a great time in our private tour, learning from a master.

Flight 1 (3 Notes)

  • 2011 Rodney Strong Cabernet Sauvignon Brothers 92 Points

    USA, California, Sonoma County, Alexander Valley

    Tasted along side other Rodney Strong lineup in the tasting room. This one was the best among the '11 line which is a hard year of its own. The nose opens up really well. Balanced earthy and fruits notes. Not too heavy on the palate, and the oak remains in good proportion. On the dry side, brighter color then the Rockaway one.

    We found it enjoyable, medium finish, and one that IMHO would age well for a decade or so. Nice QPR

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  • 2012 Rodney Strong Symmetry 91 Points

    USA, California, Sonoma County, Alexander Valley

    Tasted along with Rockaway ('11) and the brothers ('11) @RS. This one is building to hold longer. At this time it is more fruity, but the earthy notes from the oak are coming up and integrating. I believe the vineyard's official release notes regarding the cassis and currant on the palate are very accurate. As expected, not too heavy on the palate with earthy notes at this time. I would say it is somewhat on the dry (dryer) side than the '11 brothers now, and darker purple in relations. I vote with the wallet :-)
    91, with a positive prospect to 92 in the very near future. No rush to drink, I think it will hold for a while

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  • 2011 Rodney Strong Cabernet Sauvignon Rockaway

    USA, California, Sonoma County, Alexander Valley

    Very nice single vineyard, but as we drank it side by side with the 'brothers' vineyard we came to the conclusion this one is a harder 'sale'. It is very good (by all means), but it is still very close on the palate, and I found the taste to be heavier. It could simply mean that this one requires more time. It is my plan to check it again in about 2 years. At this time, no ranking, though it is clearly a notch above the regular cab lines

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