Visiting Rodney Strong Vineyards

Our final winery visit was to Rodney Strong Vineyards. Social media manager, Laura Perret and her husband met my husband and I for a Sunday morning tour and tasting. We began in the winery. Our guide, Bill, started us off with a barrel sampling of the 2014 Symmetry and the 2013 Brothers Cabernet Sauvignon. He wanted to showcase both the terroir differences between the two and the different points in development between the two vintages. 

We viewed more of the production facility and learned about some innovations they have made to keep the wine more secure during earthquakes before heading out to the terrace to enjoy a tasting with a vineyard view. Bill served us two rosés to start, both from the 2014 vintage and both priced at $25, one made from Pinot Noir and the other from Malbec. The Pinot Noir's character was more raspberry and rose petals while the Malbec was more watermelon with a bit of vanilla and toast. Bill explained these were primarily sold at the winery for the summer concerts but they are both available on line. While I wouldn't reject either one as both were refreshing summer wines, if given a choice, I would pick the one made from Pinot Noir.

Bill brought out some plates of charcuterie and cheese for us to enjoy and he poured the 2013 Reserve Chardonnay which was rich and slightly creamy with an apple pie nuance. We followed this with four of the red wine current releases. All are recommended wines.

• 2013 Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon (SRP $28)- Smooth, easy drinking, blackberry, black pepper
• 2013 Knight's Valley Estate Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon (SRP $35)- Richer, more chocolate character, more structured
• 2012 Symmetry Alexander Valley Meritage (SRP $55)- Rich, ripe blackberry, cassis, coffee
• 2012 Rockaway (SRP $75)- Concentrated, rich, more minerality behind the plum and cassis with baking spice and tobacco.

The tasting room is open daily to the public from 10:00am-5:00pm with tastings ranging from free for two tastes from the Sonoma County line on up to $55 for a paired food and wine experience. A visit to Rodney Strong Vineyards is highly recommended when in Sonoma County, see large scale production with an artisanal touch while enjoying a wine tasting in a beautiful vineyard setting.