Rodney Strong 2019 Reserve Cabernet

The 2019 Rodney Strong Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon is a tour de force, a wine that encapsulates the very essence of Sonoma County’s terroir with an artistry that is both profound and exhilarating. From the moment it greets the nose, this wine commands attention with its opulent bouquet of black currant, cassis, and crushed violet, layered with hints of cigar box and mulberries. It is a symphony of aromas that promises depth and complexity, a prelude to the richness that awaits on the palate. Velvety and expansive, the wine unfolds with a cascade of flavors—wild blackberries, dark chocolate, and a whisper of graphite—all framed by a backbone of firm, polished tannins and bright acidity. The finish is long and luxurious, leaving behind traces of vanilla, cocoa, and a touch of dried herbs, a testament to its meticulous 24-month aging in French oak barrels, 75% of which were new.

The 2019 vintage in Sonoma County was nothing short of extraordinary, a year that began with abundant winter rains and culminated in a warm, even-keeled growing season. The result is a wine of remarkable balance and structure, one that is both approachable now and built for the long haul. While it is undeniably delicious today, especially when paired with a grilled porterhouse or a succulent rack of lamb, its true potential lies in the cellar. Quietly powerful and tightly wound, this Cabernet Sauvignon is a wine of precision and poise, its oak and tannins seamlessly integrated yet poised to evolve. With time, it will reveal greater complexity, its fruit deepening and its texture broadening into something truly majestic. For those with the patience to wait, the rewards will be immense; this is a wine that will shine brightest from 2026 through 2036. A masterpiece in the making, the 2019 Rodney Strong Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon is a testament to the artistry of winemaking and the enduring allure of Sonoma County’s finest vineyards.

Alcohol: 14.5%

92 POINTS - "Quietly powerful, quite oaky and structured for aging, this full-bodied wine wraps firm tannins around delicious red and black fruits and subtle oak accents. It feels tight at this stage yet has the components to develop more complexity and breadth of texture in time. Best from 2026–2036." - Wine Enthusiast

92 POINTS - "The nose is powerful and lifted, with classic aromas of blackcurrants, cigar box and mulberries. The palate is full-bodied with firmly integrated tannins and bright acidity, giving notes of wild blackberries, coffee beans and graphite. Balanced and integrated." - James Suckling

Rich, lush and structured, this vintage displays intense aromas of black currant, cassis and crushed violet. This wine is velvety with a smooth, lingering finish of herbal notes, vanilla and cocoa. Enjoy this wine now with a grilled porterhouse, rack of lamb, or a winter vegetable roast or lay a few bottles down in your cellar to enjoy in 4 to 6 years.