Best Cabernet Sauvignon: Rodney Strong Vineyards

2018-av-cab-beauty-2
2018-av-cab-beauty-2

“We’ve worked hard over the past 60-plus years to farm and craft the very best wines we can, and Cabernet Sauvignon is something we love and do best.”— Justin Seidenfeld, winemaker, Rodney Strong

Located in the heart of the Russian River Valley and Chalk Hill AVA, Rodney Strong Vineyards has been a name signifying farming and winemaking excellence for more than 60 years. “We are absolutely thrilled to win Best Cabernet once again,” writes Winemaker Justin Seidenfeld. “It’s even more special that this was voted on by our community in Sonoma County and the North Bay. We’ve worked hard over the past 60-plus years to farm and craft the very best wines we can, and Cabernet Sauvignon is something we love and do best. We are thankful and grateful to have all that effort acknowledged.”

To make great Cabernet, there has to be an understanding of the sites that the grapes come from. Each vineyard will have a combination of fruit, acid and Phenolic compounds. Those components must be adapted to the style of wine that is being made, writes Seidenfeld. Weather also factors into the equation. According to Seidenfeld, 2018 was an exceptional growing year with mild, warm weather all the way through to harvest, which allowed the grapes to achieve perfect ripeness. “You can smell and taste the ripeness and beauty of the Cabernet with its lush flavors of red plum, blackberries, milk chocolate, dried fig and vanilla,” writes Seidenfeld. “Our 2018 really is a quintessential Alexander Valley––a perfect accompaniment to the grill outside this summer.”

According to Seidenfeld, there’s a lot going on at Rodney Strong that should make their wines even better, or more sustainable in the future.

Recently, Rodney Strong embarked on a path to rejuvenate the brand and position it for the future. “This endeavor has touched every aspect of our business and highlights the talents of a spectacular group of people,” writes Seidenfeld. “We are developing 485 acres of vineyard, so we can make better wine in more sustainable ways. We are using the best technology and understanding of our sites to ensure these vineyards will be the foundation for our future.” Rodney Strong underwent a major packaging refresh to ensure its wine looks as good as it tastes. The winery dedicated time to learn about its customers in an effort to reach them better and make its brand inclusive and welcoming to everyone.

The story of Rodney Strong began with a professional dancer coming to the Russian River Valley with a pioneering spirit and a love of fine wines. After more than 60 years in Sonoma County, the Rodney Strong Vineyards, owned since 1989 by the Klein Family, has become a hallmark of Sonoma County wines. The winery offers many tasting options and areas to enjoy its wines, as well as many wine gifting options.

rodneystrong.com

[Photo courtesy of Rodney Strong Vineyards]

Related Posts

Loading...

Sections