Here’s a red duo you’ll like. Both different; both delightful.
2009 Rodney Strong Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon ($17.00)
WINEMAKER Rick Sayre
ALCOHOL 13.5 .
TA 0.58gm/100ml
PH 3.66
APPELLATION Sonoma County
CELLAR & FERMENTATION 20 months in oak, 85 American, 15 French
HISTORY
Over thirty years ago Rod Strong observed that the cool, foggy nights that
regularly enshrouded the winery, though crucial in the ripening process of
fine pinot noir and chardonnay, were less than ideal for growing cabernet
sauvignon. For that, Rod would have to look north, to the Alexander Valley,
where the days are warmer and the strong influence of the cool Pacific
Ocean is diminished. Today they farm their estate vineyards of prime cabernet
sauvignon in the well-drained alluvial, volcanic, and uplifted shale/sandstone
soils on the benches and hillsides of the celebrated Alexander Valley.
IN THE VINEYARDS
For the third year in a row, the 2009 vintage started off with a dry spring,
which typically produces smaller clusters, smaller berries, and less canopy
overall. Spring was mild enough to ward off frost this year, and vines
affected from the previous year seemed to rebound. The main growing
season was cool to warm and without incident. Picking commenced toward the end of September, and all of the cabernet was harvested by November 3rd.
The final blend was RODNEY STRONG
2009 CABERNET SAUVIGNON
SONOMA COUNTY
82 cabernet sauvignon, blended
with merlot and cabernet franc for
roundness and additional complexity.
TASTING NOTES
Aromas of blackberry, cocoa, and
currant lead to a rich, layered
mouthfeel, replete with black cherry,
cedar, and cassis, and structured
with lush, mature tannins. Enjoy this
seductive cabernet sauvignon now
and over the next several years.
2009 VINTAGE
A perfect steak wine!!
2009 Rodney Strong Estate, Knotty Vines Zinfandel ($18.50)
Copyright 2012 By Punchin International. All Rights Reserved.
ESTATE VINEYARDS
2009
WINEMAKER Rick Sayre
ALCOHOL 15.0
TA 0.56gm/100ml
PH 3.75
APPELLATION Northern Sonoma
CELLAR & FERMENTATION 16 months in French and American oak barrels
HISTORY
Zinfandel vines have been thriving in Sonoma County during the last three
centuries. When Rod Strong first acquired benchland acreage on the west side
of the Russian River, he wisely chose to leave untouched the 15 acres of old,
gnarled zinfandel vines that had been growing there since 1904. Today they still
harvest zinfandel from those same old vines, along with a handful of vineyards
they farm to the north in the Alexander Valley.
IN THE VINEYARDS
For the third year in a row, the 2009 vintage started off with a dry spring, which
typically produces smaller clusters, smaller berries, and less canopy overall.
Spring was mild enough to ward off frost this year, and vines affected from the
previous year seemed to rebound. The main growing season was cool to warm
and without incident. Picking commenced in the middle of September, and all
of their zinfandel was harvested by October 17th.
2009 KNOTTY VINES ZINFANDEL
ESTATE VINEYARDS
TASTING NOTES
Fresh, bright berry fruit from their heritage
Russian River vineyard combined with the ripe
peppery jamminess from their Alexander Valley
vineyards make for wonderful diversity of flavor
showcasing the best that zinfandel can offer in
one wine. Aging [or 16 months in French and
American oak enhances the zinfandel’s inherent
spicy qualities, while the ebullient fruit of this
medium rich wine suggests enjoyment over the
next 2 to 4 years.
This wine is made for full flavored cheeses.
The Line On Wine 