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Anthony Gismondi on Wine
Rodney Strong Zinfandel Old Vinestext
89POINTS
16¼/20

Rodney Strong Zinfandel Old Vines 2016

Northern Sonoma, Sonoma County, California, United StatesAt Rodney Strong the 15 acres of old vine Zinfandel planted in 1904 remains as it was when Rodney Strong arrived in the 1970s. The 2016 Old Vines has some fruit from the Alexander and Dry Creek Valleys added to complete its Northern Sonoma AVA. The 2016 growing season is the poster child of ideal conditions, with an average amount of rain over winter, and only one big storm in early March to top off soil moisture. Spring was pleasant, and the vines got an early start. Temperatures remained average through summer, with few heat spikes, and harvest commenced in early fall. This is a benign 15 percent alcohol with gobs of fresh berry fruit (Russian River) mixed with peppery, black raspberry jam (Alexander Valley and Dry Creek). The textures are soft and creamy with an inviting plummy, boysenberry, vanilla undercurrent. Perfect now with your choice of spiced short ribs, pulled pork sandwiches, or a chicken barbecue pizza. It spent 18 months in 80 percent French and 20 percent American oak barrels.Tasted: 26 January 2019Tasted by: Anthony GismondiPrices:
BC$21.00750mlspecialty listing
AB$22.00750ml 
ON$23.00750mlLCBO
US$25.00750mlestimated retail
Producer: Rodney Strong Estate VineyardsDistributors: Mark Anthony Wines and Spirits
Grape: ZinfandelCSPC: 264739UPC: 087512920057