2020 Rodney Strong Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Knights Valley
Tasting Notes
Rich, lush and structured, our inaugural vintage displays intense aromas of dark plum, vanilla and soft mocha. This wine is velvety in texture with a long finish of dried berry, toasty oak, and milk chocolate. Enjoy this wine now with a seared New York sirloin and peppercorn sauce or your favorite assortment of cheese and charcuterie.
The Vintage
2020 was notable for being another dry growing season, with only a few showers throughout spring, milder weather through most of the year, and lower yields at harvest. The dry season and judicious irrigation in the vineyard resulted in smaller leaves and canopy area, allowing the fruit to acclimate to greater light exposure than is typical. With everything in balance, we harvested on September 22 & 29.
In the Cellar
For our 2020 Reserve Knights Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, select areas within each vineyard are hand harvested, fermented separately, and aged in the finest French oak. Each lot is tasted and graded, and only the best are considered. The blend is then assembled, and the wine is aged for 18 months before bottling.
Specs
Blend: 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Petit Verdot
Appellation: 100% Sonoma County
Vineyards: 100% Bavarian Lion
Cellar & Fermentation: 16 months in French oak barrels, 80% new
Alcohol: 14.5%
TA: 0.63 g/100 mL
pH: 3.61
Winemaker: Justin Seidenfeld, Tom Klein (vintner)
Wine Grower: Ryan Decker
2021 Rodney Strong Reserve Cabernet Franc, Sonoma County
Tasting Notes
Rich with aromas of brown sugar, plum, and baking spices, with flavors of dusty oak, plum, and cherry with firm tannins and a long, smooth finish. Perfect when paired with a New York strip steak, grilled cheese with caramelized bacon, or even a classically smoky pulled pork sandwich.
Production Notes
The 2021 vintage turned out to be a fantastic growing season, with no frost and very mild temperatures throughout most of the year. Sonoma County’s unpredictable spring rains ended in March, leading to one of the driest seasons on record. The result was an earlier than average harvest of Bordeaux varietals, with approximately 15% lower yields compared to previous vintages and dense concentration of flavors. With all things in balance, harvest took place between September 11th and 26th.
Specs
Varietal: Cabernet Franc
Appellation: Sonoma County
Aging: 15 months in French oak barrels, 75% new
Alcohol: 14.5%
Acid: 0.61g/100mL
pH: 3.56
What’s Included
2-bottles:
1x 2020 Rodney Strong Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Knights Valley
1x 2021 Rodney Strong Reserve Cabernet Franc, Sonoma County Case:
6x 2020 Rodney Strong Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Knights Valley
6x 2021 Rodney Strong Reserve Cabernet Franc, Sonoma County
Our story begins in 1959, when Rodney Strong envisioned Sonoma County as a special place for producing wine. A true pioneer in Sonoma County, Rodney Strong led the way for the future of Sonoma County winemaking. Rodney Strong Vineyards was the 13th winery bonded in the newly discovered Sonoma County wine industry.
Today, led by the Klein family since 1989, Rodney Strong Vineyards is a family of passionate people committed to crafting premium wines, meaningful experiences, and sustainable leadership in Sonoma County. We are united by our passion for wine and the belief that nothing brings people together better than sharing a great bottle of Rodney Strong wine.
For over 30 years, RSWE has flourished under the leadership of the Klein Family, 4th generation California farmers. The Klein family is committed to protecting and preserving the environment in both the vineyards and at the winery through sustainable farming and winemaking.
Available States
AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY
Rodney Strong Cabernet Sauvignon & Cabernet Franc
2 bottles for $64.99 $32.50/bottle + $4/bottle shipping
Case of 12 for $264.99 $22.08/bottle + $1/bottle shipping
I remember waking up September 9, 2020 in the East Bay, and driving up and spending the night in Yountville, my car was covered with ashes in the parking lot, and it looked like daylight never happened. Maybe something like Mars. I’m looking forward to hearing how the smoke taint never happened for this 2020 vintage. Very tempting but picked two weeks later is concerning.
…but these labels look so cool…
Looked at past vintages at CT for both of these, and neither were stunning. Gotta wait for the rats on this one.
Edit: Ken of Ken’s Wine Guide gives it a good review and a score of 90.5 (the Cab Sauv).
We enjoyed this wine last night, it was the perfect compliment to the conversation we were having with some close friends.
On the nose this wine was giving black pepper, vanilla, and a hint of olives. The subtle scents of earth and dust linger in the distance. On the palette you can taste dark cherries and a soft spice complete with dry tannins that create a smooth, but bright mouth feel. The after taste is what really strikes me with this wine, it hangs out on your tongue for a while and I love that.
Overall, this wine was wonderful! It had a nice balance of complexity and simplicity. That is to say, the seasoned wine enthusiast can enjoy it just as much as the novice. We enjoyed it alongside some Indian-fusion food (curry inspired dishes) and it was a match made in heaven.
Would recommend it. I’m going to buy a bottle to have now and one to lay down for a couple years.
The wife & I were delighted to receive the Rodney Strong 2020 Reserve Knights Valley Cabernet Sauvignon (thanks, Alice!) & were able to taste it with another couple. On the initial PnP, we noted the expected dark red color but no real legs. There was a subtle aroma of dark fruits but it seemed a bit subdued. First taste impressions were of dark cherry, some spice & some oak. Two of us thought we also detected a hint of vanilla. It was fairly dry and smooth with only mild tannins. All agreed it was pleasant but not to complex.
We tried the wine with some cheese and a spinach dip at first; later with beef kabobs. It went well with the food but didn’t excel.
Overall we all agreed this was a pleasant & easy drinking cab - simple but quite enjoyable. I can see it being popular with the patio crowd. BTW, none of us mentioned any hint of smoke taint.
How much more are you saving by buying a full case?
(Note: tax and shipping are not included in savings calculations.)
Rodney Strong Cabernet Sauvignon & Cabernet Franc - $125 = 32.04%
Was excited as always to get the email and even more exited when I saw what it was - thanks Alice!
The punch line is that this was a very good wine and I would have been part of the short memory crew regarding the fires had I not seen comments above - didn’t detect any issues.
A nice looking bottle. We had three tasters this time around, so this is a combination of everyone’s thoughts. On the cork we got raspberry, dark cherry and some citrus. Alcohol was prevalent on first sniff and faded (it’s a cab).
In the glass, ruby color. It looks subtle and light comes through nicely. Gotz legs.
On the nose alcohol at first, again fades. Cherry, raspberry, sweetness, oak, earthy. Smoothes out the more you smell.
First taste was surprisingly smooth for a pop and pour. Body was light. Minor chalkiness. 2nd taster didn’t know what varietal it was an immediately asked “Cali cab?” He noted the pleasant finish was easy like a pinot.
Threw it in the decanter and let it rest for 45. The wine became much more delicate. Now that I see the 10% petite verdot that makes sense. It was not a big, punchy cab. It wanted to be noticed and appreciated. Subtle, not in your face. Pairs well with fat & salt. Absolutely terrible with spicy queso (LOL). It’s too delicate of a wine to face off against the jalapeno spice. Was perfectly wonderful on its own or with the right food. Enjoyed it with raspberry chocolate desert. Fruit comes through more clearly after the rest, well balanced and subtle.
Case price is exactly where we estimated and is a great QPR. I’ll buy one if anyone in CMH wants to split. My plan would be to cellar these for 3 years and see what happens. I think results will be good.
@albish7 Thanks for detailed review. I have NOT had this wine but familiar with the brand from years ago in California. Known to be a good quality wine that would please most people, but not in-your-face intensity. (Nor was it intended to be). People like my mother and her friends liked it, though she balked at the price and usually went for something cheaper. though on the wine price scale still pretty low.
Being in PNW now there are so many good choices -plus all those boxes from Casemates that keep showing up so I’m good for a while.
But if you wanted a decent quality bottle to bring to a dinner party, I’d say this would be pleasing.
Shoot, I’m the missing link for the other Cab Franc review. I got it early in the week and what a week it was, so the “reveal” date slipped my mind. Anyway, I owe you so I’ll try opening it shortly even though it’s pretty early in the day here
@alexa84
Okay, I’m back. Thank you for your patience!
The 2021 Reserve Cabernet Franc is pretty straightforward. It’s somewhat floral on the nose, but not upon tasting. The vegetal aspect I always associate with Cab Franc is incredibly subtle here. I do get the chocolate tones and some plum - like a more full-bodied Merlot. Just a hint of the black pepper mentioned previously. Very soft on the palate - drinkable now, I don’t think it needs or would benefit much from aging.
I’ll check back later for any questions, as I know this was a pretty simple review. Again, kind of early in the day for me.
Oh, and I’m sure it’s worth the money, especially at such a discount, but not in my range. Would love to have tried the Cabernet Sauvignon, as I’m a huge Petit Verdot fan, but the Cabernet Franc is genuinely a very nice wine.
Thank you for another opportunity to 'rat, wine friends!
2020 Rodney Strong Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Knights Valley
Tasting Notes
The Vintage
In the Cellar
Specs
2021 Rodney Strong Reserve Cabernet Franc, Sonoma County
Tasting Notes
Production Notes
Specs
What’s Included
2-bottles:
Case:
Price Comparison
Not for sale on winery website, $720/case MSRP
About The Winery
Available States
AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY
Estimated Delivery
Tuesday, May 27 - Wednesday, May 28
Rodney Strong Cabernet Sauvignon & Cabernet Franc
2 bottles for $64.99 $32.50/bottle + $4/bottle shipping
Case of 12 for $264.99 $22.08/bottle + $1/bottle shipping
2020 Rodney Strong Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
2021 Rodney Strong Reserve Cabernet Franc
I remember waking up September 9, 2020 in the East Bay, and driving up and spending the night in Yountville, my car was covered with ashes in the parking lot, and it looked like daylight never happened. Maybe something like Mars. I’m looking forward to hearing how the smoke taint never happened for this 2020 vintage. Very tempting but picked two weeks later is concerning.
@Leatherchair seems more than a few 2020’s are popping up on flash sites… hoping for short memories I presume
…but these labels look so cool…
Looked at past vintages at CT for both of these, and neither were stunning. Gotta wait for the rats on this one.
Edit: Ken of Ken’s Wine Guide gives it a good review and a score of 90.5 (the Cab Sauv).
@FritzCat I could be mistaken, but that 90.5 review from Ken is the 2020 Knights Valley cab, not this Knights Valley “Reserve” bottling
2021 Rodney Strong Reserve Cabernet Franc
We enjoyed this wine last night, it was the perfect compliment to the conversation we were having with some close friends.
On the nose this wine was giving black pepper, vanilla, and a hint of olives. The subtle scents of earth and dust linger in the distance. On the palette you can taste dark cherries and a soft spice complete with dry tannins that create a smooth, but bright mouth feel. The after taste is what really strikes me with this wine, it hangs out on your tongue for a while and I love that.
Overall, this wine was wonderful! It had a nice balance of complexity and simplicity. That is to say, the seasoned wine enthusiast can enjoy it just as much as the novice. We enjoyed it alongside some Indian-fusion food (curry inspired dishes) and it was a match made in heaven.
Would recommend it. I’m going to buy a bottle to have now and one to lay down for a couple years.
@dannyobrien3 Which one?
@FritzCat my bad!!! The Cab Franc!
@dannyobrien3 @FritzCat
Header added
@FritzCat @rjquillin Thank you!!! I’m new hear. Still learning.
@dannyobrien3 @FritzCat
These mixed offers easily get mixed up.
Welcome
2020 Rodney Strong Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
The wife & I were delighted to receive the Rodney Strong 2020 Reserve Knights Valley Cabernet Sauvignon (thanks, Alice!) & were able to taste it with another couple. On the initial PnP, we noted the expected dark red color but no real legs. There was a subtle aroma of dark fruits but it seemed a bit subdued. First taste impressions were of dark cherry, some spice & some oak. Two of us thought we also detected a hint of vanilla. It was fairly dry and smooth with only mild tannins. All agreed it was pleasant but not to complex.
We tried the wine with some cheese and a spinach dip at first; later with beef kabobs. It went well with the food but didn’t excel.
Overall we all agreed this was a pleasant & easy drinking cab - simple but quite enjoyable. I can see it being popular with the patio crowd. BTW, none of us mentioned any hint of smoke taint.
How much more are you saving by buying a full case?
(Note: tax and shipping are not included in savings calculations.)
Rodney Strong Cabernet Sauvignon & Cabernet Franc - $125 = 32.04%
2020 Rodney Strong Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
Was excited as always to get the email and even more exited when I saw what it was - thanks Alice!
The punch line is that this was a very good wine and I would have been part of the short memory crew regarding the fires had I not seen comments above - didn’t detect any issues.
A nice looking bottle. We had three tasters this time around, so this is a combination of everyone’s thoughts. On the cork we got raspberry, dark cherry and some citrus. Alcohol was prevalent on first sniff and faded (it’s a cab).
In the glass, ruby color. It looks subtle and light comes through nicely. Gotz legs.
On the nose alcohol at first, again fades. Cherry, raspberry, sweetness, oak, earthy. Smoothes out the more you smell.
First taste was surprisingly smooth for a pop and pour. Body was light. Minor chalkiness. 2nd taster didn’t know what varietal it was an immediately asked “Cali cab?” He noted the pleasant finish was easy like a pinot.
Threw it in the decanter and let it rest for 45. The wine became much more delicate. Now that I see the 10% petite verdot that makes sense. It was not a big, punchy cab. It wanted to be noticed and appreciated. Subtle, not in your face. Pairs well with fat & salt. Absolutely terrible with spicy queso (LOL). It’s too delicate of a wine to face off against the jalapeno spice. Was perfectly wonderful on its own or with the right food. Enjoyed it with raspberry chocolate desert. Fruit comes through more clearly after the rest, well balanced and subtle.
Case price is exactly where we estimated and is a great QPR. I’ll buy one if anyone in CMH wants to split. My plan would be to cellar these for 3 years and see what happens. I think results will be good.
@albish7 Thanks for detailed review. I have NOT had this wine but familiar with the brand from years ago in California. Known to be a good quality wine that would please most people, but not in-your-face intensity. (Nor was it intended to be). People like my mother and her friends liked it, though she balked at the price and usually went for something cheaper. though on the wine price scale still pretty low.
Being in PNW now there are so many good choices -plus all those boxes from Casemates that keep showing up so I’m good for a while.
But if you wanted a decent quality bottle to bring to a dinner party, I’d say this would be pleasing.
Shoot, I’m the missing link for the other Cab Franc review. I got it early in the week and what a week it was, so the “reveal” date slipped my mind. Anyway, I owe you so I’ll try opening it shortly even though it’s pretty early in the day here
@alexa84
Okay, I’m back. Thank you for your patience!
The 2021 Reserve Cabernet Franc is pretty straightforward. It’s somewhat floral on the nose, but not upon tasting. The vegetal aspect I always associate with Cab Franc is incredibly subtle here. I do get the chocolate tones and some plum - like a more full-bodied Merlot. Just a hint of the black pepper mentioned previously. Very soft on the palate - drinkable now, I don’t think it needs or would benefit much from aging.
I’ll check back later for any questions, as I know this was a pretty simple review. Again, kind of early in the day for me.
Oh, and I’m sure it’s worth the money, especially at such a discount, but not in my range. Would love to have tried the Cabernet Sauvignon, as I’m a huge Petit Verdot fan, but the Cabernet Franc is genuinely a very nice wine.
Thank you for another opportunity to 'rat, wine friends!
Are there any central NY’ers (Utica/Syracuse area) interested in splitting a case?