89POINTS
16¼/20
Rodney Strong Cabernet Sauvignon 2016
Sonoma County, California, United StatesRodney Strong planted his first cabernet sauvignon in 1971, Alexander’s Crown, on a small hill in Jimtown. Today there are three vineyards, from Jimtown to Geyserville and all the way north to Cloverdale. The soils are a mix of well-drained alluvial, volcanic, and uplifted shale/sandstone soils that cabernet seems to love. The 2016 vintage was ideal, from plenty of water and sunshine to very few heat spikes. Look for a highly flavourful cabernet sauvignon with plummy, violet fruit, and peppery spice with a lick of tannin to let you know it is still cabernet sauvignon. Hamburgers, meaty pasta dishes, beef and black bean sauce all come to mind. The wine spends 16 months in 45 percent French and 55 percent American oak barrels but it’s all handled perfectly. At 13.5 percent alcohol you can enjoy that juicy savoury berry fruit character that sets Sonoma apart from Napa. A fine introduction to Sonoma County cabernet.Tasted: 26 January 2019Tasted by: Prices:BC | $27.49 | 750ml | BCLS |
AB | $24.99 | 750ml | private wine shops |
ON | $24.95 | 750ml | LCBO |
SK | $25.00 | 750ml | |
YK | $27.00 | 750ml | |
QC | $23.90 | 750ml | SAQ |
US | $20.00 | 750ml | srp |
Blend: Cabernet Sauvignon - Merlot - Cabernet FrancCSPC: 226944UPC: 087512912359