Wine Along The 101
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    • 2023 Articles >
      • Robert Hall Winery, Evolving Their Wines Toward a Regenerative Future
      • Great Wine Is Headed Your Way, the Spring Portfolio Tasting of Golden State Wine Co Reveals Many Treasures
      • Simply Italian Great Wines US Tour 2022, A Brief Look at the Complex World of Italian Wine
      • A Night of Sicilian Wine, Spotlighting Cambria and Madaudo Wineries
      • Yealands Wines, “Think Boldly, Tread Lightly”, Leading the World Toward Sustainable Winemaking
    • 2022 Articles >
      • Further Defining the Single Vineyard Cru Wines of Barolo and Barbaresco, the Rise of the MGA
      • The Barolo Cru Wines of Beni di Batasiolo
      • Pyros Wines Sparks World-Class Malbec
      • AlloraVino Imports, a Love Affair with Italian Wine
      • Maisons Marques & Domaines Wine Portfolio: Prestige, Glamour and Good Taste for the Holidays
      • The Original Balsamic Vinegar of Modena PGI, a Condiment and a Culture
      • Rocca delle Macìe, Taking Chianti Classico to New Heights
      • Alluring and Iconic, The World of Chianti Wines
      • Paso Robles Weaves a Thrilling Tapestry of World-Class Wine
      • LXV Wines, The Spice of Paso Robles
      • The Mouthwatering Sauvignon Blancs of Chile
      • The Wines of Portugal, Discover a World of Difference
      • Domaines Albert Bichot, An Exceptional Approach to Burgundian Wine
      • The Wines of Abruzzo Undergo a Renaissance of Quality
      • Ketcham Estate, Exceptional Wines From The Heart of the Russian River Valley
      • La Rioja Alta, S.A., Innovation and Tradition That Stands the Test of Time
      • Vega Sicilia Celebrates 40 Years of Winemaking Excellence
      • Planeta of Sicily Embraces the Past While Reaching For the Future
      • The Spirit of Renaissance is Alive and Well in “South of Somewhere”
      • Gambero Rosso Returns to LA, With the Best of Italian Wines
      • Falanghina and Aglianico del Taburno, Sannio's Ancient Wine Stars
      • Tablas Creek Vineyard Embraces Regenerative Organic Farming
    • 2021 Articles >
      • Make Merry With Domaine Bousquet Sparkling Wines
      • Discover These Enchanting Italian Wines, From the Fog of Piedmont to the Island Breezes of Sardinia
      • Rodney Strong Vineyards and Winery, Revitalizing an Iconic Brand
      • Thanksgiving Tips for the Best Wine and Food Pairing
      • Escape to Paso Robles, a Wine Country Oasis
      • Escape to Paso Robles, a Wonderland of Wine
      • Smith-Madrone Wines, a Napa Valley Pioneer Celebrates Fifty Years of Excellence
      • Oregon’s Willamette Valley, the Land of Pinot Noir
      • Irvine & Roberts Vineyards, Exceptional Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from Southern Oregon
      • BARRA of Mendocino Wines, an Original Organic Wine Play
      • The Opulent and Thrilling Wines of Denner Vineyards
      • L’Ecole No. 41, Expressive Wines That Pass the Test of Time With Flying Colors
      • France's Loire Valley, a Fairytale Land of Storybook Castles and Magical Wines
      • Craft Wine, Shining the Spotlight on America’s Small Wine Producers
    • 2020 Articles >
      • Margerum Wine Company, the Nexus of Sublime Santa Barbara County Wines
      • Catena Zapata, Malbec on High
      • Long Meadow Ranch, the Circle of Life in a Glass of Wine
      • Fontanafredda Barolo Forges a New Future
      • Bordeaux Wine 2017, Surprises in a Challenging Vintage
    • 2019 Articles >
      • The Rising Wine Country of Southern Oregon's Rogue Valley
      • Discover Ashland and the Rogue Valley, Southern Oregon's Serenade to the Good Life
      • Napa Valley Grille, New Fall Menu Paired with European Wines
      • Embrace Your Wine Geek with PRIE Winery & Vineyards
      • Castello di Albola, Chianti Classico on High
      • Nicolas-Jay Wines, the Journey of a Lifetime
      • The Expanding Complexity of New Zealand Wine
      • Prosecco DOC, Splendor in the Glass
      • On the Oregon Wine Trail
      • Albariño and Rioja Star in Spain’s Great Match
      • Exciting and Eclectic, the Wines of Alentejo
      • Blaufränkisch Propels the Red Wines of Austria Into the Spotlight
      • Fascinating Greek Wines of the Cava Spiliadis Collection
      • Revolution In Rioja Wine
    • 2018 Articles >
      • Temecula Valley Celebrates 50 Years of Winemaking
      • The Stellar Wines of Sardinia
      • Italian Wines Prescribed by Doctor Wine
      • The Alluring Wines of Tunisia
      • Gambero Rosso’s Top Italian Wines for 2018
      • Velenosi Wines, From Le Marche to the World
      • Sauvignon Blanc, a Rising Star in Napa Valley
      • Frank Family Vineyards Celebrates 25 Years
      • Markus Wine Co., Sleek New Red Wines Up the Ante for Lodi Reds
      • Lodi Wine, Over 100 Varieties Strong
      • Ramona Valley Wine Country, an Up and Coming Wine Region
      • Hertelendy Vineyards, the Pursuit of Excellence
      • Napa Valley Wine, Nirvana in a Bottle
      • Wine Stroll: Explore Downtown Paso Robles Wineries
      • The Beautiful Shades of Lodi Rosé Wines
      • Doubling Down on Gold Medal Wines: The San Francisco International Wine Competition
      • The Exotic Wines of Lebanon
      • Australian Wines, Rediscover the New Frontier
      • New Zealand Wines, Expanding beyond Sauvignon Blanc
      • Visit France in 2018, a Feast of Food, Wine, Culture and History
      • Bordeaux Wine 2015, A Very Good Year
      • Portugal's Treasure Chest of Wines
      • Livermore Valley, California’s Original Wine Country Reborn
      • Concannon and Wente Vineyards, California’s Pioneers of Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay
      • Livermore Valley Wine Country, the Future Looks Bright
    • 2017 Articles >
      • Viña Ardanza Rioja Turns 75, an Enchanting Wine Gets Even Better
      • The VIP Sparkle of Prosecco Superiore
      • Lodi Wine Country, Seriously Good Wine From A to Z
      • Lodi Wine Country, Old Vines and Great Wines
      • Lodi Wine Country, Winegrowers and Winemakers Focused on the Future
      • Lugana White Wine, Better With Age
      • Santa Barbara Winemakers Road Trip to LA
      • Sweetzer Cellars, a Life Changing Journey of Wine
      • Lugana and Valpolicella, the Yin and Yang of the Veneto
      • Three R’s of Summer Wine, Rosé, Riesling, and Ramato
      • Familia Martínez Bujanda, Wines Without Borders
      • Codorníu Cava, the Ars and Anna Collection
      • New and Exciting Wines from the 2017 Santa Barbara Vintners Spring Weekend Celebration
      • Sensual Delights on Display at Savor Italy Los Angeles
      • Pizza and Franco Pepe, Italy’s Best Comes to LA
      • Montes Wines, Wisdom in Wine From Father to Son
      • Passionate Pinot Noir Lovers Unite at the 2017 World of Pinot
      • Vignalta, Wines of the Highest Order
      • Santa Lucia Highlands Sensational Wines
      • Gambero Rosso’s Top Italian Wines for 2017
      • Law Estate Wines: Quality by Design
      • Taittinger and Calvisius: Champagne and Caviar Dreams
      • Riding High on American Rhone Wines, The Rhone Rangers LA Tasting
      • Discover Monterey Wine Country, wine and so much more
      • Wines of Portugal, the Perfect Dinner Companion
      • Gruet's Enchanting Sparkling Wines
    • 2016 Articles >
      • The Art of Italian Living, SoCal Style
      • Wines of Alsace: Perfect for the Holidays
      • Oso Libre Winery; Vines, Wines, and Angus Beef
      • Best Wines for Thanksgiving
      • Simply Italian Great Wines US Tour Sweeps Through Los Angeles
      • Santa Barbara Winemakers Road Trip: Chardonnay
      • Santa Barbara Winemakers Road Trip: Pinot Noir
      • Santa Barbara Winemakers Road Trip: Rhône Varietals
      • Santa Barbara Winemakers Road Trip: Bordeaux Varietals
      • Achaval-Ferrer, Exceptional Wines from Argentina
      • Celebration of Harvest Grand Tasting 2016 Highlights
      • The Celebrity Sparkle of Ferrari Trento Wines
      • Santa Barbara Wine Country’s Celebration of Harvest 2016
      • The Garagiste Festival, Off the Beaten Path Wines
      • Explore SLO Wine Country, Central California’s Hidden Gem
      • Byron Winery, The Grand Pinot Noir Experiment
      • Crocker & Starr Wines, Organically Elegant
      • Escape to Santa Maria Wine Country
      • The Elegant White Wines of Domäne Wachau
      • Champagne Palmer: The New Champagne on the Block
      • Holman Ranch & Vineyards: Making Memories & Wine at Romantic California Hideaway
      • Luminous Wines of France's Loire Valley
    • Examiner.com Articles >
      • Alma Rosa Winery & Vineyards: Wines Without Compromise
      • All Stars of Pinot Noir Rock the 2016 World of Pinot
      • Ampelos Wines' Biodynamic Brilliance
      • Artisan Uprising: Blood Into Wine
      • Bodegas Beronia Rioja: The Magic of Oak
      • Crawford Family Wines: Unlocking Varietal Flavor
      • Dolin Malibu Estate Vineyards' Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs Shine Bright
      • Hahn Family Wines: Santa Lucia Highlands' Sweet Spot
      • Kimmel Vineyards: Good Wine Flows from Challenging Times
      • Larner Vineyard: Sweet Spot for Syrah and Grenache
      • LOCA for Lodi Wine
      • Lompoc Wine Ghetto
      • Sanford Winery & Vineyards, Delicious Wines That Tell a Tale
      • The Diverse and Divine Wines of Santa Barbara County
      • Santa Barbara Urban Wine Trail
      • The Stellar Wines of California's Sta. Rita Hills
      • Skinner Vineyards, Destiny and Determination
      • Wines of Portugal, The Art of the Blend
  • Wine Reviews
    • La Rioja Alta, S.A. Viña Ardanza Reserva 2016, An Elegant Vintage for an Iconic Wine
    • ETTORE Wines from Mendocino, With An Organic Focus
    • Two Excellent Value Broquel Label Wines From Argentina’s Trapiche Winery
    • The Dynamic Lavico Etna Wines of Duca di Salaparuta
    • The Sangiovese Stars of San Felice Wines
    • Lucky Rock Wine Co. 2021 Sauvignon Blanc, in Can and Bottle
    • Coen Malbec Reserve 2019, a New World Wine with Old World Sensibilities
    • Sangre de Toro Rosé, A Light and Bright Summer Thirst Quencher
    • Summer and Sauvignon Blanc, Lucky Rock Wine Co. Style
    • Lucky Rock Wine Co. County Cuvée Pinot Noir 2019
    • Monte Velho, Fascinating Wines and Value-Priced
    • Grassl Glasses Add Depth to Wine Enjoyment
    • Domaine Bousquet Sparkling Rosé Brut Makes Everyday a Holiday
    • Festive Ferrari Trento Sparkling Wines For All Occasions
    • Bodegas CARO, the Best of Both Worlds
    • Kosher Wines For the Jewish High Holidays Are Highly Recommended Anytime of Year
    • Oak Farm Vineyards, a Rainbow of Delicious Lodi Wines
    • Lucky Rock Wine Co. Sauvignon Blanc 2019
    • Ron Rubin Wines, The Dream Series
    • Lucky Rock Wine Co. County Cuvée Pinot Noir 2018
    • Lucky Rock Wine Co. Sauvignon Blanc 2018
    • Crus Bourgeois Bordeaux, Expressive Wines at Everyday Prices
    • Légende Collection of Bordeaux Wines
    • Five Contemporary California Wines To Try
    • Alternative Sparkling Wines For a Celebration
    • A Toast to Prosecco Superiore
    • Celebrate with this Pair of Spanish Red Wines
    • A Quartet of Summer Red Wines
    • Spanish Albariño, a Wine For All Seasons
    • Ciù Ciù Wines, Quality That Shines Through
    • A Trio of Red Wines for Holiday Merrymaking
    • Terre de la Custodia Montefalco Rosso 2012
    • The Sultry Arnaldo Caprai Collepiano Montefalco Sagrantino
    • Pop the Cork on Charles Heidsieck Champagne and Bisol Prosecco
    • Garnacha Wines from DOP Cariñena, Beautiful Bang for the Buck
    • A Pair of Greek Wines for a Spring Feast
    • A Dynamic Duo of Sassy Spanish White Wines
    • Anderra Carménere
    • Artesa Chardonnay/Pinot Noir
    • Avignonesi Grandi Annate
    • Château Saint-Maur Rosé
    • La Miranda de Secastilla, Old Vine Garnacha Gems
    • Intriguing Israeli Wines
    • Leviathan
    • Domaines Paul Mas Wines Trio
    • Nobilo Sauvignon Blanc, intensely refreshing and delicious
    • Perticaia Trebbiano Spoletino
    • Stay Cool With These Two Charming White Wines
  • Events
    • Garagiste Wine Festival: Urban Exposure 2022 Highlights Hidden California Wine Gems
    • Temecula Valley Balloon & Wine Festival 2019
    • World of Pinot Noir 2019, A Magical Mystery Tour
    • Journey to Planet Pinot at the 2018 World of Pinot Noir
    • Great Wines of Italy Comes to LA
    • Wine Along the Beach at Garagiste Wine Festival 2017
    • Santa Barbara Vintners Spring Weekend Celebration 2017
    • Orbit the World of Pinot Noir at the 2017 World of Pinot
    • Rhone Rangers Los Angeles 2016
  • Wine Travel
  • Videos
    • Celebration of Harvest
    • Feliz Noche Wines
    • Terravant Custom Crush
    • Que Syrah, Shiraz!
    • Paso Robles Wine Festival
    • L'Aventure Syrah Harvest
    • Clos Pepe's Prince of Pinot
  • Photos
  • Who We Are
    • About Patricia Decker
    • About Fabian Rodriguez
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Courtesy of Rodney Strong Vineyards
Rodney Strong Vineyards and Winery is bringing new life to a classic and familiar brand, reinvigorating the vineyards and winery for the future.  Focused on innovative and sustainable winegrowing and winemaking, Rodney Strong is thinking outside the box, creating elegant wines that are born of cutting edge technology, with more complexity coming from a lighter footprint on the planet.  The sustainable part is not new, Rodney Strong has made protecting the environment a priority for decades.  Certified Sustainable, Rodney Strong achieved the top prize of the Sustainable Winegrowing Green Medal Leadership Award back in 2004.  But now, under the watchful eye of their new Director of Winemaking, Justin Seidenfeld, every aspect of the vineyards and winery are constantly being evaluated, seeking to gain a balanced approach to quality with sustainability.
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Courtesy of Rodney Strong Vineyards
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Rodney Strong, Courtesy of Rodney Strong vineyards
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Rodney Strong, Courtesy of Rodney Strong Vineyards
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Proprietor Tom Klein and Winemaker Justin Seidenfeld, Courtesy of Rodney Strong Vineyards
One of the early pioneers in Sonoma County, Rodney Strong Vineyards and Winery took root over 60 years ago, a dream envisioned by the American dancer Rod Strong, as a second act to his celebrated dancing career.  Strong pursued his passion for winemaking, and was one of the first to recognize the diversity of Sonoma County, crafting distinctive wines that spoke of its soils and climate.  Strong was a true trailblazer, the first to craft a single vineyard Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, plant Pinot Noir in the Russian River Valley, and produce a Chardonnay from the Chalk Hill appellation, an AVA of which he helped to create, along with the Russian River Valley.  In 1989, Strong passed the torch to the Klein family, fourth generation farmers who were equally committed to producing high quality wine from the ground up.  Today, this family-owned and operated winery strives to be inventive and viable, standing strong as stewards of their land, through practices such as carbon neutral, soil and water conservation, solar energy, and wildlife protection.
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Alexander Valley, Courtesy of Rodney Strong Vineyards
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Chalk Hill, Courtesy of Rodney Strong Vineyards
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Russian River Valley, Courtesy of Rodney Strong Vineyards
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Northern Sonoma County, Courtesy of Rodney Strong Vineyards
Rodney Strong sources fruit from their eleven estate vineyards within several appellations in Sonoma County to produce five different tiers of wine.  Alexander Valley, Chalk Hill, Russian River Valley and Northern Sonoma County add their distinctive signatures to the many wines in their lineup.  The new winemaking and winegrowing team is carrying on the work of making these vineyards more expressive of “place” and the wines richer and fuller, yet balanced.
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Winemaker Justin Seidenfeld and Proprietor Tom Klein in the Square Tanks Cellar, Courtesy of Rodney Strong Vineyards
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Solar panels, Courtesy of Rodney Strong Vineyards
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Courtesy of Rodney Strong Vineyards
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New bottle labels, Courtesy of Rodney Strong Vineyards
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New tasting room, Courtesy of Rodney Strong Vineyards
Although the wines are exciting, especially for the affordable price point, what’s happening behind the scenes is nothing short of fascinating. Starting in 2014, the winery upgrades include an ingenious square steel fermentation tank room known as “The Boneyard”, new optical sorting technology, solar panels, and water management where water use is reduced by 50%.  Putting the vineyards under the microscope, every row has been evaluated, and replanting is underway where warranted, with better aspects and orientation.  New equipment for pruning and irrigation has been purchased, all in the pursuit of a more holistic approach and precise viticulture.  Not stopping there, new bottle labels were created and the tasting room has been renovated.
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Justin Seidenfeld of Rodney Strong Vineyards
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(L-R) Greg Morthole, Justin Seidenfeld, Tom Klein, Olivia Wright, and Ryan Decker, Courtesy of Rodney Strong Vineyards
Seidenfeld is only the fourth head winemaker in the 60 plus year history of the winery, and his knowledge and intuition of Rodney Strong is a result of being boots on the ground since 2010.  He’s joined by a new winemaker, Olivia Wright, and new Director of Estate Vineyards, Ryan Decker.  Together, they are positioning Rodney Strong Wine Estates, which includes five wine labels, for a robust future.
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Director of Communications Chris O'Gorman and Director of Winemaking Justin Seidenfeld, for Rodney Strong Estate Wines
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Justin Seidenfeld explains how the Rodney Strong Rosé of Pinot Noir is crafted with intention
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I had the pleasure of experiencing first hand the passion and new direction of Rodney Strong, when Director of Communications Chris O’Gorman and Justin Seidenfeld came to Los Angeles, inviting the LA Wine Writers to learn about the refreshed Rodney Strong over a fabulous luncheon at the Sunset Marquis Hotel.  The takeaway?  The wines were delicious and distinctive, great by the glass and even better with food, and such an amazing value.  You can literally back up the truck, these wines are so diverse and expressive, for under $30.  And the energy surrounding these wines, directed by Seidenfeld, makes the wines exciting and new.  And you can feel good about drinking these wines, with the care and environmental forward thinking that goes into each and every bottle of all tiers of wine.  Six wines over six courses, and here’s the scoop.
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Rodney Strong Sauvignon Blanc Charlotte’s Home 2020 ($17) is a blend of Sonoma County vineyards with well-drained mineral rich soils.  Fresh and crisp, this Sauvignon Blanc delights with with its richness and complex aromas of grapefruit, Meyer lemon, and grassy notes, followed by tropical fruit and melon.  Barrel fermentation lends a smooth quality to the vibrant acidity.  Suggested pairing, toasted brie, seared scallops, oysters with mignonette, and fresh pasta with sweet peas and a lemon cream sauce.  We had a Summer Tomato and Crab Salad with Avocado Green Goddess, Cucumber and Basil, exquisite!
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Rodney Strong Rosé of Pinot Noir Russian River Valley 2020 ($25) is made with intention, a brilliant and bright rosé, with notes of strawberry, watermelon, and tropical fruit.  Vibrant acidity, fresh and delicious, this is very food-friendly.  Suggested pairing, fresh goat cheese, Thai food or spicy shrimp tacos.  We had a Watermelon and Goat Cheese Appetizer with Mint and Pink Peppercorn, very complimentary.  And we also revisited this Rosé for dessert, a Lemon Verbena Meringue with Berries, Raspberry Sorbet and Vanilla Whipped Cream.
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Rodney Strong Chardonnay Chalk Hill 2018 ($20) is an elegant, full bodied and textured wine, a result of 11 months of barrel aging with lees stirring.  Creamy yet crisp, notes of pear, toasty vanilla, Meyer lemon and subtle spice frame the wine over a long, slightly mineral finish.  Suggested pairing, soft cheeses, fresh crab or roasted pork loin.  We had Ora King Salmon with Squash, Lemon Emulsion, and Smoked Trout Roe, holy smokes!
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Rodney Strong Pinot Noir Russian River Valley 2018 ($25) enchants with its aromas of plum, baked fruit and brown sugar.  This earthy, complex wine channels notes of tobacco, baked cherry pie and spice, with a lightly tannic frame that disappears into the long finish.  Suggested pairing, charcuterie, wild mushroom risotto or grilled pork tenderloin topped with cherry compote or whole grain mustard sauce.  We had Pappardelle with Chanterelle Mushrooms, Duck Prosciutto, and Pecorino, great umami!
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Rodney Strong Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley 2018 ($28) is a lush, powerful wine with prominent aromas of dark fruit and red plum, along with a hint of chocolate and cassis. Chewy tannins and a dried fig character give it depth, this is an incredible deal.  Suggested pairing, cheese and charcuterie, filet mignon with grilled vegetables or dark chocolate mousse.  We had Porcini Dusted Prime Rib Eye with Grilled Broccolini, Port Reduction, and Pickled Mustard, intense and sensory!
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Rodney Strong Single Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Brothers Vineyard 2016 ($75) is a complex, rich wine with deeply seductive flavors of blackberry, plum, cassis, chocolate and mocha, with a long, lingering finish.  This is the epitome of a single vineyard 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, the king of the hill that fulfills Rodney Strong’s original vision of a single vineyard Alexander Valley Cab.  A stunning wine, it can be enjoyed now, or cellar it for a decade.  We had this wine with the Prime Rib Eye, and it was spectacular.
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Terrace Bar, Courtesy of Rodney Strong Vineyards
Rodney Strong’s motto, “Committed to Community Since 1959”, embraces all of the sustainable winemaking and innovation, with an emphasis on people and integrity.  Yet it also extends to the broader sense of community, supporting about a dozen individual entities, local and global, that work to make the world a better place.
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Rodney Strong wines are widely available, many retail under $30, and can even be found in your local grocery store.  They are made with such care and precision, balanced and expressive, you’ll want to pour a glass of the reinvigorated Rodney Strong in all its glory everyday.