2014 Rodney Strong Cabernet Sauvignon Sonoma County - USA, California, Sonoma County (3/24/2017)
Recommended by one of my favorite writers, Meg Maker (Makers’s Table) this is a good value Cabernet that does not go over the top, while also having sufficient depth on the bottom end to be sure it does not tip over. There’s a hint of sweetness on the entry that fades away with air, and moderate depth through the mid-palate and finish. The fruit is not too ripe, and the acidity and mild tannins provide just enough structure. Drink now or even hold a year or two, but not too long!
It’s been a while since I had one of these but they used to seem a bit over the top to me. Glad to hear they’re dialing things back a bit (possibly).
This has always been drinkable.
The 1999, had by the glass at a steak house on release, was without a doubt my gateway wine.
Thanks for the note, David!!
I also am a fan of Ms Maker’s blog.
I have never considered myself a Cabernet Sauvignon expert, but I believe that the Sonoma Mountain, Sonoma Valley, Dry Creek Valley, and the Alexander Valley areas all have little nooks and crannies that, just as in Napa Valley (whose every square foot is by no means universally appropriate), can produce quality Cabs.
Someone here on WB rec’d Rodney Strong as a place to stop in when visiting Sonoma. It was a lovely visit. Didn’t come home with anything other than a rose, but I’d recommend a visit if in the area for the experience. Really beautiful winery and site, and the people seem nice/honest.
I think I’ve got a bottle of one of their 13 Cabs.
2013 Rodney Strong CS [Alexander Valley] over the last couple of nights, pop & pour. The label states ‘estate vineyards’ but I think this may have some purchased grapes (perhaps from growers who used to work with Beringers KV CS) maybe blended with estate production. The label is not super precise on the back about this. Full bodied and chunky at 14.5%, with a cocoa nose, and quite low acid. Its unstructured, and probably best right now, but it has enough fruit to keep running for years. I get some smoky, meaty flavors too. I realize WB’ers aren’t going to be bringing this to offlines, but this is a solid cab in a fine year – B+ in my ledger – and ought to be widely available & cheap. RS is a supermarket wine in my region, but like Mondavi Napa CS, that is ok, especially if traveling. I have not had any old RS wines but the older single vineyard ones seem to have an ok reputation.
The winery is a lovely place to visit, btw.
Their Chalk Hill Chard is a decent afternoon foil.