Rodney Strong Vineyards: Sonoma County Wines
By Kori ~ April 10th, 2013.
Rodney Strong founded Rodney Strong Vineyards, located in Healdsburg, California, in 1959. Current owner Tom Klein and the Klein family purchased the winery in 1989. Head winemaker Rick Sayre has been with the winery since 1979. Rodney Strong sustainably farms thirteen estate vineyards in Sonoma County.
Recently, we had the opportunity to taste the 2010 Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon and the 2011 Sonoma County Chardonnay in a blind samples tasting. Both wines are very good, but we especially enjoyed the Cabernet Sauvignon.
Rodney Strong consistently offers a lineup of good quality wines that deliver serious bang for your buck in their Sonoma County line, which is available nationally.
2010 Rodney Strong Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon (Sonoma County, California): Deep, dark red in color. Beautiful nose with red and black fruit, eucalyptus, and floral aromas. Black plum, black cherry, and floral notes come through on the palate. Medium to full-bodied with lively acidity and medium to high tannins. Well-balanced with a long, smooth finish.
Quality: 4 stars (out of 5)
QPR: 5 bangs for your buck (out of 5)
Where to buy: Received as sample, suggested retail $18; Available elsewhere, $13 to $20
2011 Rodney Strong Sonoma County Chardonnay (Sonoma County, California): 60% barrel fermented and 40% cold fermented in stainless steel. Pale, greenish straw yellow. Aromatic with apple, lemon, and vanilla on both the nose and palate. Dry and light to medium-bodied with crisp acidity and a medium to long finish.
Quality: 3.5 stars (out of 5)
QPR: 5 bangs for your buck (out of 5)
Where to buy: Received as sample, suggested retail $15; Available elsewhere, $10 to $16
Filed under: American Wine, Cabernet Sauvignon, California Wine, Chardonnay, Five-Bangs For Your Buck Wines, Red Wine, White Wine, Wines Under $15, Wines Under $20, Wines Under $25