Since today is Valentine’s Day I thought I would post a romantic wine. Red Burgundy is world-renound as a silky and feminine wine of grace and balance. And Pinot Noir is the variety of red Burgundy which has been transplanted all over the wine world. California Pinot Noir has come a long way in a relatively short period of time producing some world-class wines. But due to the popularity of the variety since the success of the movie Sideways, finding top grade Cali Pinot for less than $25 a bottle has been tricky.
Rodney Strong has a well established track record for their Cabernet and Merlot based wines but I can’t remember if I’ve ever tasted a Pinot Noir from this producer. But they have been making the variety for a number of vintages from their vineyards in the Russian River Valley where their winery is located. And they did purchase venerable Pinot producer Davis Bynum 5 years ago. So I was surprised to learn that founder Rod Strong had been one of the first to plant Pinot Noir in the Russian River Valley back in 1968. Such foresight makes this wine no less surprising for it’s level of quality at a bargain price.
Tasting notes:
Rodney Strong, Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley “Estate Vineyards” 2009 ($20/sample) – Ruby in color with aromas of strawberry, black cherry, forest floor and fennel. Bright cherry and strawberry fruit finishing with fine tannins. A delicious Cali Pinot that I think will get more interesting with a couple more years of cellaring or decant for a couple hours now. An exceptional value for $20 or less on sale.
14.5% ABV
Natural cork closure
[rating:4/5]
Score: 90
I tried a bottle and thought it was thin with an unpleasant taste. If all Pinots tasted like the 2009 Rodney Strong, I would never buy a Pinot again.
Sorry to hear but sounds like there was something wrong with your bottle. The wine should still be in good shape even though I tasted it over a year ago for this review.