Tasting Notes, Twisted Cork 6/4/09.
2007 Sonoma Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc, by Rodney Strong, Sonoma County, California, $13.50, tasted 6/4/2009. Flinty, with citrus and herbal aromas. Medium fruit, finish, and length. A great summer quaff. (Distributed by Wade with SWS – Crane Div.) The Raymond Rating = 86 points.
2007 Rodney Strong Estate “Charlotte’s Home” Sauvignon Blanc, Sonoma County, California, $16.65, tasted 6/4/2009. Moderately herbal, with citrus and mineral aromas. Clean and crisp, medium fruit, finish, and length with some complexity. (Distributed by Wade with SWS – Crane Div.) The Raymond Rating = 88 points.
2004 Sonoma Vineyards Merlot, by Rodney Strong, Sonoma County, California, $13.50, tasted 6/4/2009. Great aromas of cedar, mint, and berries on the nose. A nice, very soft, easy-drinking, lighter-style Merlot with a pleasant finish. Though I don’t know if he has, Parker might wouldn’t rate it as highly as I do; but I like it! A delightful little Merlot and a good value! (Distributed by Wade with SWS – Crane Div.) The Raymond Rating = 87 points.
2005 Rodney Strong Merlot, Sonoma County, California, 13.8% alcohol, 0.64 g/mL TA, 3.45 pH, 0.15% RS, $21.95, tasted 6/4/2009. Great aromas of cedar and black cherry with herbal highlights on the nose. Good fruit with nice finish and length. Decent complexity with soft tannins, though enough to provide structure. (Distributed by Wade with SWS – Crane Div.) The Raymond Rating = 89 points.
2004 Sonoma Vineyards Syrah, by Rodney Strong, Sonoma County, California, $13.50, tasted 6/4/2009. Berries, with slightly smoky and meaty notes on the nose. Good fruit and finish. A pleasant, easy-drinking Syrah. A good choice when grilling. (Distributed by Wade with SWS – Crane Div.) The Raymond Rating = 86 points.
2006 Rodney Strong Cabernet Sauvignon, Sonoma County, California, $21.95, tasted 6/4/2009. A lovely nose of cedar, berries, sweet oak, and cherries with herbal highlights. Very good fruit with a nice finish and medium-long length. Well-structured with good complexity. (Distributed by Wade with SWS – Crane Div.) The Raymond Rating = 91 points.