Rodney Strong Sonoma County Alexander Valley 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon, $22.09-$29.99, 91 points, may just be the best of the Rodney Strong wines I've tasted, but because this Cabernet maybe more like a Zinfandel than their Knotty Pines Zinfandel, my disclaimer is: if you're looking for a full bodied ultra rich 91 point Cabernet this isn't it, but it is a delicious medium bodied wine that carries a mouth watering acidity and smooth tannin with flavors of light blueberry, licorice, and plum. The Rodney Strong Cabernet finishes long and strong on spice that more than competes with their Zin.
The color is Burgundy throughout with a large (Expected) transparent rim, and the aroma is a minty cedar with sweet cooking spice.
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I generally love Alexander Valley Cabs,but I prefer them from smaller producers than Rodney Strong. For some reason, I tend to associate those wines with Kendall-Jackson, which I find generic, overall. (Please note the "overall" - I have had some decent single vineyard, lower production wine from them.) Perhaps I need to take a closer look at that...
ReplyDeleteClaire, smaller producers are hard to come by in NH, but your comment is well taken.
DeleteI would say, overall RS has a very good line-up of "earth friendly" wines, and my self imposed challenge was to review them for NH wine enthusiasts. Considering that in NH one could buy the required 6 bottles of earth friendly wines to qualify for the 15% discount, and those wines could be comfortably and economically all from Rodney Strong makes for a logical purchase, as well as an opportunity to taste outside the box for those stuck with Barefoot, Oakleaf, or Gallo bulk-bin wines. It would be great to "invest" in single-vineyard family owned wines, but usually not as easy to find or as economical.
Sorry for over-doing this. :-/