*Disclaimer: I received this wine as a sample from Rodney Strong Vineyards
Rodney Strong, in my humble opinion produces some really great wines at some really great values. I’ve always enjoyed their Charlotte’s Home Sauvignon Blanc and many of their Chardonnays. I think they really shine with their Reserve Pinot Noir though, and I was happy to taste the newest vintage of it, the 2008 Reserve Rodney Strong Russian River Valley Pinot Noir, the other evening. We enjoyed it with an eye of the round roast and it was an excellent complement to our meal. The wine clocked in at 14.9% alcohol by volume, had a real cork closure, and retails for $40.
On the nose I found red cherry, red berries, cloves, spice, strawberries, earth, smoke, white pepper, and a hint of blackberry. I definitely got lost in the nose of this one, as often happens to me when a Pinot Noir presents with that lovely combo of smokey earthy red fruits. In the mouth the fruit seemed darker, with black cherry, blackberry, espresso, pepper, dark chocolate notes, and red edges coming through. Well balanced acidity and tannins, while this wine is drinking beautifully right now, I would guess it could age really well.
Filed under: California, Pinot Noir, Red, Wine |
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