Fine Pinot varietal character is apparent on the nose with rich cherry, gamey barnyard and subtle pencil box oak in the background. Mouth filling dark cherry fruit comes wrapped in a smoothly rounded texture with lightly firm tannins and light herbal and chocolate overtones. Restrained, classic wine with great depth.
Shows mellow, ripe, developed plum with rounded tannins, milk chocolate and spice with a firm touch of tannic grip on the finish. This is a mature wine that should be drunk soon.
Medium-deep brass, like looking into the eye of a duck. Sophisticated nose of roses, lychee, a bit of celery and a hint of allspice. Full-bodied, unctuous, with flavours of tangerine and pears and even a sprinkle of coconut. Good now, but will last a long time.
Pale gold. Strong nose of Diesel/jet fuel over flowers, lime and orange. Light-bodied with high acidity and lots of fruit including apple, pineapple and lime. Drink now.
Incorporates 17 months of serious American and French oak aging. Smoky cigar box and black fruits strike the nose. Blackcurrant and black cherry fill the mouth. The plush texture and fine-grained tannins will appeal to Merlot fans. Lingering olive and mint finish. Pair with marinated meat dishes.
Rodney Strong was the first to plant Chardonnay in Sonoma's Chalk Hills in 1965, an area that became its own AVA in 1983. The volcanic, chalky, white ash soils, unique to the area, can be seen in the stream of fine minerality throughout this fuller white. I'd love to see less wood here, so the site and soils really rings. As stands now, barrel ferment (partial new) and wood toast leads the creamy palate, with the yellow apple, pear, nougat and lemon curd finishing this off with a trailing spiciness. Less is more, please.
Classic Alsace Gewürz. Light straw in colour with a pronounced nose of rose petals and lychee fruit. Medium-bodied, sweetish lychee and grapefruit flavours tinged with rosewater.