Rodney Strong Cabernet: A Bold and Flavorful Red Wine

Rodney Strong Cabernet is a popular wine produced by Rodney Strong Vineyards, a winery located in Sonoma County, California. The winery is known for its high-quality wines, and the Rodney Strong Cabernet is no exception. This full-bodied wine is made with 100% Cabernet Sauvignon grapes and has a rich, complex flavor that is sure to delight wine enthusiasts.

The 2018 Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the most popular offerings from Rodney Strong Vineyards. This wine is rich in dark cherry, plum, and baking spices, and is accompanied by black pepper notes, crushed violet, and cassis. The palate has medium tannins, lingering spicy oak flavors with a velvety lush finish. The wine is a great choice for those who enjoy full-bodied red wines, and pairs well with grilled meats, pasta dishes, and strong cheeses.

History of Rodney Strong Vineyards

Founding and Development

Rodney Strong Vineyards is a California winery that was founded in 1959 by Rodney Strong. Strong was a true pioneer in Sonoma County, and he envisioned the area as a special place for producing wine. In 1962, he planted his first vineyard in Healdsburg, which is where the winery is located today. Over the years, Strong continued to develop his winery, and in 1974, he released the first Alexander Valley single vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon. He was one of the first to recognize the potential of Alexander Valley, and the wine came from his Alexander's Crown vineyard located near Jimtown. Alexander Valley became an AVA 10 years later.

In 1989, Rodney Strong Vineyards was purchased by the Klein Family. The family has continued to carry on Strong's legacy by crafting premium wines and developing the winery further. Today, the winery produces a wide range of wines, including Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Cabernet Sauvignon.

Environmental Commitment

Rodney Strong Vineyards is committed to environmental sustainability. The winery practices fish-friendly farming, which means that they use environmentally friendly practices to protect fish habitats in nearby rivers and streams. In addition, Rodney Strong Vineyards was the first carbon neutral winery in Sonoma, and they utilize a solar energy system to power their operations.

Overall, the history of Rodney Strong Vineyards is one of innovation, vision, and sustainability. From its founding by Rodney Strong to its development under the Klein Family, the winery has remained committed to producing high-quality wines while also protecting the environment.

Understanding Cabernet Sauvignon

Cabernet Sauvignon is a red grape varietal that is grown in many wine regions around the world. It is known for its dark color, full body, high tannins, and aging potential. In this section, we will explore the grape varieties and characteristics of Cabernet Sauvignon.

Grape Varieties

Cabernet Sauvignon is a cross between Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc. It was first created in the 17th century in Bordeaux, France. Today, it is grown in many wine regions around the world, including California, Australia, Chile, and South Africa.

Characteristics of the Varietal

Cabernet Sauvignon is known for its high tannins, which give it a firm structure and aging potential. It is also known for its dark color and full body. The flavors of Cabernet Sauvignon can vary depending on where it is grown, but common flavors include blackberry, black cherry, plum, and black currant.

Cabernet Sauvignon is often aged in oak barrels, which can give it additional flavors of vanilla, cedar, and spice. The aging process also helps to soften the tannins and develop more complex flavors.

In summary, Cabernet Sauvignon is a popular varietal known for its full body, high tannins, and aging potential. It is grown in many wine regions around the world and can have flavors of blackberry, black cherry, plum, and black currant. The aging process in oak barrels can add additional flavors of vanilla, cedar, and spice.

Viticulture and Winemaking

Sonoma County Terroir

Rodney Strong Vineyards is located in Sonoma County, which is known for its diverse terroir. The winery's vineyards are situated in four distinct AVAs (American Viticultural Areas): Alexander Valley, Knights Valley, Russian River Valley, and Dry Creek Valley. Each AVA has its own unique soil and climate, which contributes to the character of the grapes grown there. The winery's vineyard team carefully selects the best grapes from each AVA to create their signature Cabernet Sauvignon.

Winemaking Techniques

Rodney Strong's Director of Winemaking, Justin Seidenfeld, oversees the winemaking process from grape to bottle. The winery uses a combination of traditional and modern winemaking techniques to create their Cabernet Sauvignon. Grapes are handpicked and sorted before being destemmed and crushed. The juice is then fermented in stainless steel tanks using a combination of native and cultured yeasts. The wine is aged in a combination of French and American oak barrels to add complexity and structure.

Aging and Oak Influence

The length of time that the wine spends in oak barrels and the type of oak used can greatly influence the final product. Rodney Strong's Cabernet Sauvignon is aged for 18 months in a combination of French and American oak barrels. The French oak imparts flavors of vanilla, spice, and toast, while the American oak adds flavors of coconut and dill. The winery carefully selects the barrels to ensure that the oak influence is balanced and does not overpower the fruit flavors.

Overall, Rodney Strong Vineyards' Cabernet Sauvignon is a reflection of the unique terroir of Sonoma County and the winery's commitment to quality winemaking techniques.

Rodney Strong Cabernet Vintages

Notable Years

Rodney Strong Vineyards has been producing award-winning wines for over six decades. Among the most notable years for Rodney Strong Cabernet are the 2009, 2016, 2017, 2019, and 2020 vintages. The 2009 vintage is known for its rich and complex flavors, with notes of blackberry, cassis, and vanilla. The 2016 vintage is characterized by its balance and elegance, with flavors of dark fruit and spice. The 2017 vintage is known for its intensity and depth, with flavors of black cherry and chocolate. The 2019 vintage, according to Virginie Boone of Wine Enthusiast, is "a well-made, balanced and full-bodied wine with a good structure and firm tannins." The 2020 vintage is still young, but early reports suggest it will be another strong year for Rodney Strong Cabernet.

Vintage Variation

Like all wines, Rodney Strong Cabernet can vary from vintage to vintage due to factors such as weather and growing conditions. However, the winemakers at Rodney Strong strive to maintain a consistent style and quality from year to year. The winery uses a combination of estate-grown grapes and grapes sourced from other vineyards in Sonoma County to create their Cabernet blends. The grapes are carefully selected and hand-harvested, then fermented and aged in French oak barrels.

Despite the winery's efforts to maintain consistency, there can still be variation from vintage to vintage. For example, the 2019 vintage was a cooler year, which resulted in a wine with more acidity and less alcohol than the previous year. However, the winemakers at Rodney Strong were able to use their expertise to create a well-balanced and flavorful wine despite the challenges of the vintage.

Overall, Rodney Strong Cabernet is a consistently high-quality wine that has earned a reputation for excellence over the years. Whether you prefer a rich and complex vintage or a more balanced and elegant one, there is a Rodney Strong Cabernet to suit your taste.

Tasting Notes

Flavor Profile

Rodney Strong Cabernet Sauvignon offers a rich and complex flavor profile that is sure to delight any wine enthusiast. The wine has a medium body and features flavors of dark cherry, black pepper, cassis, and malbec. It also has hints of blackberry, vanilla, baking spice, chocolate, and cola. The medium tannins of the wine provide a nice structure to the flavor profile and balance the spicy oak flavors.

Aroma and Finish

The aroma of Rodney Strong Cabernet Sauvignon is equally impressive. It features a bouquet of black cherry, currants, baking spices, and crushed violet. The velvety lush finish of the wine is a result of the medium tannins and the spicy oak flavors. The finish also has hints of chocolate and baking spice.

Overall, Rodney Strong Cabernet Sauvignon is a well-balanced wine with a complex flavor profile and a rich aroma. The wine is perfect for pairing with red meat dishes, stews, and strong cheeses. The wine's velvety finish makes it an excellent choice for sipping on its own as well.

Food Pairing and Serving

Ideal Food Pairings

Rodney Strong Cabernet Sauvignon pairs well with a variety of foods, making it a versatile wine for any meal. The wine's bold and rich flavors complement red meats and hearty dishes. It is an excellent choice to pair with steak, as the tannins in the wine help to cut through the fat in the meat.

Other ideal food pairings for Rodney Strong Cabernet Sauvignon include roasted lamb, beef stew, and grilled pork chops. The wine's complex flavors also pair well with strong cheeses, such as blue cheese or aged cheddar.

Serving Suggestions

Rodney Strong Cabernet Sauvignon is best served at room temperature, between 60-65°F. This allows the wine's aromas and flavors to fully develop. To achieve this temperature, remove the wine from the refrigerator approximately 30 minutes before serving.

When serving Rodney Strong Cabernet Sauvignon, use large, wide-mouthed glasses to allow the wine to breathe and fully release its aromas. The wine should be decanted for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow any sediment to settle.

Overall, Rodney Strong Cabernet Sauvignon is a versatile wine that pairs well with a variety of foods. When serving, it is important to allow the wine to reach the appropriate temperature and to use the proper glassware to fully enjoy the wine's complex flavors and aromas.

Buying Guide

Price Points

When it comes to buying a bottle of Rodney Strong Cabernet, there are a few things to consider. One of the most important factors is price. The price of a bottle of Rodney Strong Cabernet can vary greatly depending on a number of factors. Some of these factors include the vintage, the region where the grapes were grown, and the winery that produced the wine.

Generally, the price of a bottle of Rodney Strong Cabernet can range from $20 to $100 or more. It's important to keep in mind that the price of a bottle of wine doesn't always reflect its quality. There are plenty of great wines available at a lower price point, and some expensive wines that may not be worth the extra cost.

Where to Buy

Another important consideration when buying a bottle of Rodney Strong Cabernet is where to purchase it. There are a number of different options available, including local wine shops, online retailers, and even grocery stores.

Local wine shops are a great option for those who want to support small businesses and get personalized recommendations from knowledgeable staff. Online retailers can offer a wider selection and often have better prices, but it's important to do some research to ensure that you're buying from a reputable source.

Grocery stores can also be a convenient option, but the selection may be limited and the prices may not be as competitive as other retailers. It's important to compare prices and do some research to find the best option for your needs.

When it comes to buying a bottle of Rodney Strong Cabernet, it's important to do your research and consider your options carefully. By taking the time to choose the right wine and the right retailer, you can ensure that you're getting a high-quality product at a fair price.

Wine Reviews and Recognitions

Critic Scores

Rodney Strong Cabernet Sauvignon has received numerous accolades from wine experts and critics. Wine Enthusiast awarded the 2019 vintage a score of 90 points, describing it as a "well-balanced and approachable wine" with "plenty of juicy fruit flavors." Similarly, the 2018 vintage received a score of 90 points from Wine Enthusiast, which praised its "ripe blackberry and black cherry flavors" and "subtle oak notes."

Wine Spectator also gave high scores to the Rodney Strong Cabernet Sauvignon. The 2017 vintage received a score of 91 points, with the magazine describing it as a "rich and well-structured" wine with "flavors of blackberry, currant, and dark chocolate." The 2016 vintage also received a score of 91 points, with Wine Spectator noting its "ripe and juicy" fruit flavors and "firm tannins."

Consumer Ratings

Rodney Strong Cabernet Sauvignon has also received high ratings from consumers. On Wine.com, the 2018 vintage has an average rating of 3.9 out of 5 stars, with many reviewers praising its "bold and smooth" flavor profile. Similarly, on Vivino, the 2019 vintage has an average rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars, with users describing it as a "great value" and a "delicious wine for any occasion."

Overall, Rodney Strong Cabernet Sauvignon is a well-regarded wine that has received positive reviews from both critics and consumers alike. Its consistent quality and approachable flavor profile make it a great choice for wine lovers of all levels.

Exploring Rodney Strong Range

Rodney Strong offers a diverse range of wines, including the renowned Rodney Strong Cabernet Sauvignon. This well-crafted Cabernet Sauvignon boasts a rich and complex flavor profile, with hints of blackcurrant, raspberry, and a subtle toastiness that adds depth to the palate. The winery's dedication to quality and consistency shines through in each bottle.

Other Varietals

In addition to their Cabernet Sauvignon, Rodney Strong also produces a variety of other exceptional wines. Their Zinfandel, for example, showcases bold flavors of blueberry and spice, offering a unique alternative for those seeking a different taste experience. The winery's range of grape varieties ensures there is something to suit every palate.

New Releases

Rodney Strong continually introduces new releases to their collection, providing wine enthusiasts with exciting options to explore. Keeping an eye on their new releases allows wine connoisseurs to stay updated on the latest offerings from the winery, ensuring they can experience the best of Rodney Strong's craftsmanship.

Visiting the Winery

If you're a wine enthusiast, touring Rodney Strong Vineyards is a must-do activity when visiting Healdsburg. The winery offers visitors a chance to experience Sonoma County's wine culture, taste award-winning wines, and learn about the winemaking process.

Touring Rodney Strong Vineyards

Rodney Strong Vineyards offers a guided tour of the winery, which provides visitors with an in-depth look at the winemaking process. During the tour, visitors can learn about the history of the winery, the grape-growing process, and the techniques used to produce their signature wines.

The tour also includes a visit to the vineyards, where visitors can see the grapes up close and learn about the different types of grapes used to produce the wines. The tour concludes with a tasting of some of the winery's best wines.

Wine Tasting Experiences

Rodney Strong Vineyards offers a range of wine tasting experiences, including their new tasting room, which features an elegant Sonoma County farmhouse feel. Visitors can enjoy indoor and outdoor seating while sampling some of the winery's best wines.

In addition to the tasting room, Rodney Strong Vineyards also offers private tastings and tours of the winery. Visitors can choose from a variety of tasting options, including the Reserve Tasting, which features the winery's top-rated wines, or the Estate Tasting, which offers a selection of wines from the winery's estate vineyards.

Overall, a visit to Rodney Strong Vineyards is an excellent way to experience Sonoma County's wine culture and learn about the winemaking process. Whether you're a wine enthusiast or just looking for a fun activity to do in Healdsburg, a visit to Rodney Strong Vineyards is sure to be a memorable experience.

Sustainability Practices

Rodney Strong Vineyards is committed to sustainable winegrowing practices and has been assessed and verified under the Sustainable Winegrowing Practices workbook, a statewide certification program that provides third-party verification of a winery's commitment to continuous improvement in the adoption and implementation of sustainable winegrowing practices.

Eco-Friendly Initiatives

Rodney Strong Vineyards has taken several eco-friendly initiatives to reduce its carbon footprint. It has installed a solar energy system that generates 1.3 million kilowatt hours of electricity annually, which is equivalent to the energy used by 158 homes in a year. This has helped the winery to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 1,000 metric tons annually. The winery has also implemented energy-efficient lighting and cooling systems to reduce energy consumption.

In addition, Rodney Strong Vineyards has adopted fish-friendly farming practices that help to protect and restore native fish populations in Russian River. The winery has created fish habitat and installed fish screens to prevent fish from entering the irrigation system.

Community Involvement

Rodney Strong Vineyards is committed to giving back to the community. The winery has partnered with several local organizations to support various causes, including education, healthcare, and the environment. The winery has donated over $2 million to support these causes over the years.

Rodney Strong Vineyards is also committed to promoting sustainable winegrowing practices in the community. The winery hosts regular sustainability workshops and seminars to educate local farmers and winemakers about the benefits of sustainable winegrowing practices. The winery also encourages other wineries to adopt sustainable practices by sharing its knowledge and expertise.

Overall, Rodney Strong Vineyards is a leader in sustainability practices in the wine industry. Its commitment to eco-friendly initiatives and community involvement has helped to create a better environment for everyone.

Wine Collecting and Storage

Cellaring

Rodney Strong Cabernet Sauvignon is a wine that can be cellared for several years. It is recommended to store it in a cool and dark place, such as a wine cellar or a wine refrigerator. The ideal temperature for cellaring Rodney Strong Cabernet Sauvignon is between 55°F and 65°F. The humidity in the storage area should be around 70%. It is important to keep the wine bottles lying down to keep the cork moist and prevent it from drying out.

When cellaring Rodney Strong Cabernet Sauvignon, it is important to keep track of the vintage and the date of purchase. This will help the collector to determine the optimal time to drink the wine. The recommended cellaring time for Rodney Strong Cabernet Sauvignon is between 5 to 10 years. However, some vintages may be cellared for up to 20 years.

Investment Potential

Rodney Strong Cabernet Sauvignon has the potential to increase in value over time, making it a good investment for collectors. The value of the wine is determined by several factors, including the vintage, the producer, and the condition of the bottle. Collectors should look for rare vintages and limited edition releases to increase the investment potential.

To maximize the investment potential of Rodney Strong Cabernet Sauvignon, it is important to store the bottles in optimal conditions. This includes keeping the bottles lying down, maintaining the ideal temperature and humidity, and avoiding exposure to light and vibration. Collectors should also keep track of the market value of the wine and sell it at the right time to maximize their profits.

Overall, Rodney Strong Cabernet Sauvignon is a wine that can be cellared for several years and has the potential to increase in value over time. Collectors should take proper care of the wine bottles and keep track of the vintage and date of purchase to determine the optimal time to drink or sell the wine.

Understanding Wine Labels

Wine labels can be intimidating, with their complex terminology and detailed information. However, understanding wine labels is crucial to choosing the right wine for your taste and preferences. In this section, we will break down the key components of a wine label and decode the terminology used.

Label Information

The label of a wine bottle contains a wealth of information about the wine inside. Some of the key pieces of information you will find on a wine label include:

• Producer or Winery Name: This is the name of the winery that produced the wine.
• Wine Name: This is the name of the wine, which may include the grape variety or the region where the grapes were grown.
• Vintage: This is the year the grapes were harvested and the wine was produced.
• Alcohol Content: This is the percentage of alcohol in the wine.
• Region: This is the region where the grapes were grown.
• Type of Wine: This indicates whether the wine is red, white, or rosé.
• Bottle Size: This indicates the size of the bottle, usually in milliliters.
• Importer: This is the name of the company that imported the wine, if applicable.

Decoding Terminology

Wine labels can be filled with technical terms that may be confusing to the average wine drinker. Here are a few key terms to know:

• Body: This refers to the weight and texture of the wine in your mouth. Wines can be light-bodied, medium-bodied, or full-bodied.
• Dry Wine: This refers to a wine that has very little residual sugar.
• Mouthfeel: This refers to the texture and sensation of the wine in your mouth.
• Bitter: This refers to the taste of tannins in the wine, which can create a slightly bitter sensation.
• Complexity: This refers to the number of flavors and aromas in the wine, and how they interact with each other.
• Californian: This refers to wines that are produced in the state of California.
• United States: This indicates that the wine was produced in the United States.
• Red Wines: This refers to wines that are made from red grapes and have a red color.

Understanding wine labels can be overwhelming, but with a little bit of knowledge, you can decode the terminology and choose the right wine for your taste and preferences.

Conclusion

Rodney Strong Cabernet Sauvignon is a popular wine from Sonoma County, California. This wine is known for its rich and bold flavors of black fruit and licorice, with a firm and well-built structure that makes it perfect for current enjoyment ¹²³.

Rodney Strong Cabernet Sauvignon is produced and bottled in Healdsburg, California, and the winery prides itself on sustainability and preserving the earth. Rodney Strong utilizes a solar energy system and claims to be the first carbon-neutral winery in Sonoma ¹.

The 2019 vintage of Rodney Strong Cabernet Sauvignon from Sonoma County has received an 88-point rating from tastings.com ². The wine is made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon grapes and has an alcohol content of 13.5% by volume ¹.

Overall, Rodney Strong Cabernet Sauvignon is a well-regarded wine that is enjoyed by many. Its rich flavors and sustainable production methods make it a popular choice for those who appreciate quality and environmental responsibility.

Footnotes

1. https://www.honestwinereviews.com/rodney-strong-cabernet-sauvignon ↩ ↩² ↩³
2. https://www.tastings.com/Wine-Review/Rodney-Strong-2019-Cabernet-Sauvignon-Sonoma-County-USA-08-18-2022.aspx ↩ ↩²
3. https://www.wine.com/product/rodney-strong-cabernet-sauvignon-2018/565363 ↩