*Sample Received*
At Rodney Strong Vineyards the term "Reserve" refers to their ability to craft wine from the very best barrels from the very best of their Cabernet vineyards. The grapes for these wines are hand harvested from selected lots within the vineyard, fermented separate of each other in french oak. After 6 months the barrels are tasted and graded (oh let me be part of this process please), of which only the most worthy are then blended together and returned to the barrels to grow up and become exceptional wine. The growing season was close to perfect in 2013 with minimal heat spikes, warm summer sun but cool evenings and little to no rain as harvest approached. Picking of grapes commenced early around mid September and finished by the end of the month in Alexander Valley.
Pop the cork and pour and the richness of this wine races from the bottle. Ripe blackberry and raspberry fruits fill the nose. A hint of molasses and fresh vanilla bean with big currants and toasted oak. So appealing.
The mouth is elegant with the blackberry front and center with splashes of raspberry intertwined. The molasses and vanilla add a smooth rich mouthfeel followed by a dusting of baking spice and currants giving it a grown up feel. The finish is long and your mouth begs for more from the glass. I paired this with a nice beef roast and the flavor profile was to die for.
Cheers
Dan
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