WINE REVIEW: Rodney Strong Vineyards 2020 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Sonoma County, CA ($60)

by Andrew Chalk

I have tasted many wines out of the Rodney Strong stable over the past few years but I say conclusively that this is the one that I have enjoyed the most. It takes the prodigious cabernet sauvignon grape and vinifies it into a wine that has everything going on but nothing out of control. Some would use the word balanced. I would say that all the edges have been honed smooth so the final edifice has a definite form, but not an incongruous one. 

TASTING IMPRESSION

In the nose, the fruit aromas and wood notes add up to a compelling welcome. On the palate the tannins are soft and the many flavors complex enough to generate ongoing interest. 

Rodney Strong is below mid priced in today's runaway northern California market. This is at or near the top of their product price range but a good value given what it delivers. Although it has the tannins to age I would drink it this holiday season with prime rib, steak, or venison. 

DETAILED TASTING NOTES

NAME:	Rodney Strong Vineyards 2020 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Sonoma County, CA ($60)
	COMMENTS
APPEARANCE
Clarity	clear
Intensity	deep
Color	ruby
NOSE
Condition	clean
Intensity	medium plus
Aroma Characteristics	Raspberry, blackberry, shaved oak, rosemary, coffee, pencil lead
PALATE
Sweetness	dry
Acidity	medium
Tannin	medium, ripe
Alcohol	medium
Body	medium plus
Flavor intensity	medium plus
Flavor characteristics	Confirm nose, herbal undertones.
Other observations	Well honed fruit-acid balance. Rich flavors on palate. Lush composition.
Finish	medium plus
Quality Assessment	Very good.
Bottle aging	Suitable.

Sample