2010 Pinot Noir, Rodney Strong Vineyards, Russian River Valley $20 srp
Classic Burgundian color. Overt and supple, this Pinot delivers fresh cut roses, leather, ripe strawberry compote and cola notes on the nose, with lively spice-box overtones and judicious oak. Flavors are brisk, yet mouth-filling. Pure fruit elements are in balance with a tannic structure that promises further development. Drink now-2016.
88/100 points
2008 Rockaway, Single-Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Rodney Strong Vineyards, Alexander Valley $75 srp
Radiant, Italian plum skin color. Dense, sweet-scented nose of perfect ripeness, with fecund earth, graphite and lavender atop black cherry and black currant. There’s a freshness and over-arching grace in the bouquet that is more reminiscent of left-bank Bordeaux than Sonoma. Thrilling, with mouth-filling plum and minerality. Grip and dry tannins promise a long, expressive life ahead. If drunk now, try to uncork in the morning for that evening’s pleasure. (84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Malbec, 4% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot) Drink now-2023.
94/100 Points