RODNEY STRONG 2019 SONOMA COUNTY CAB/SAUV 14.5% 75cl

HISTORY
Rodney Strong recognized in the late 1960s that Sonoma County’s Alexander Valley was an exceptional area for heat loving Cabernet Sauvignon. He planted their first Cabernet vineyard in 1971, Alexander’s Crown, on a small hill in Jimtown, and the reputation for fine Sonoma County Cabernet has never looked back. Today they have three exceptional Cabernet vineyards, from Jimtown to Geyserville, and all the way north to Cloverdale, planted in the
well-drained alluvial, volcanic, and uplifted shale/sandstone soils that make Sonoma County an ideal place for this noble grape.
THE VINTAGE & VINEYARD
The 2016 growing season was about as close to ideal as they could get. They received an average amount of rain over winter, with only one big storm in early March that topped off soil moisture. Spring was very pleasant, so the vines got off to a great, albeit early, start. Average temperatures continued through summer, with the occasional heat spike that Cabernet seems to love. Warm temperatures
continued into the fall, so the Cabernet harvest started about 7-10 days earlier
than normal. Northern Alexander Valley kicked off in mid-September, and they wrapped up in the second week of October on the other end of the Valley.
TASTING NOTES
The 2016 Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon is rich with dark cherry, plum and baking spices. The delicious fruit is accompanied by black pepper notes, crushed violet and cassis. The palate has medium tannins, lingering spicy oak flavours with a velvety lush finish. Enjoy this Cabernet now with a grilled steak, rack of lamb or grilled winter vegetables.