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.
Courtesy of Rodney Strong Vineyards
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.
Alexander Valley, Courtesy of Rodney Strong Vineyards
Chalk Hill, Courtesy of Rodney Strong Vineyards
Russian River Valley, Courtesy of Rodney Strong Vineyards
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.
Winemaker Justin Seidenfeld and Proprietor Tom Klein in the Square Tanks Cellar, Courtesy of Rodney Strong Vineyards
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
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.
Justin Seidenfeld of Rodney Strong Vineyards
(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.
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!
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!
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!
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.
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.
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.