I’ve been drinking wines from Rodney Strong Vineyards for around fifteen years now. That’s a small fraction of their history, they were founded in 1959. I keep going back to their wines for a number of reasons. A large swath of their portfolio is widely available, so access to them is easy. They consistently offer well made wines in a variety of price ranges. By and large whether you spend less than $20 or more than $50 on a bottle from Rodney Strong Vineyards, you’re going to get a bit more than you paid for. So yes I love to experiment and try all manner of wines, but when I’m looking for a sure thing, Rodney Strong Vineyards is one of the names I count on.
I recently tasted a couple of current releases that are perfect for warm weather. A small group of writers joined winemaker Justin Seidenfeld on Zoom to talk about Rodney Strong in general and taste these wines.
Rodney Strong Vineyards 2019 Charlotte’s Home Estate Sauvignon Blanc ($17)
I’m fairly certain that this is the Rodney Strong wine I’ve been drinking consistently for the longest time. Along with the Pedroncelli SB t’s one of my two standbys for tremendous value in under $20 Sauvignon Blanc from Sonoma County. Over time this always delicious wine seems to have gotten a bit more dialed in, and simply better. It opens with a big, rich nose loaded with citrus and bits of yellow melon. The palate is juicy and fresh with Honeydew, lemon ice, and a wisp of guava. The acid rich finish is long, pleasing and mouthwatering.
Rodney Strong Vineyards 2019 Rosé of Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley ($25)
This is an intentional Rosé made entirely of Pinot Noir. The grapes were grown, harvested and crushed specifically to make this wine, Justin noted that Rosé’s from Provence were his model for this wine and despite the fact that he’s different grapes in another part f the world his intent is the same. This wine is a somewhat recent new one to their portfolio, joining the home team in the last 5 or so years.Wild strawberry an white pepper dot the nose. Red cherry, white peach, tangerine zest and gentle bits of vanilla drive the palate. The finish is crisp, refreshing and simply pleasing. It nearly begs you back to the glass for another sip. This is an excellent example of intentional Rosé.
Another vintage, and more evidence that you can, and should, count on Rodney Strong Vineyards for well made, delicious wines at a fair price. It’s going to be hard to hold on to any of this Rosé as it’s so appealing, but if you can tuck a few bottles away, it’ll make a great wine for Thanksgiving.