Rodney Strong Reserve Chardonnay 2009, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, California, USA

This wine is made using 100% Chardonnay grapes, maturation taking place in 100% French oak for 13 months (26% new oak) which 10 months spent sur lie, a light fining was done before bottling but unfiltered, finally alcohol comes in at 14.5%.

This Chardonnay opened up with an elegant bouquet of pears, mandarin, lemon custard, toasted hazelnut and light vanilla notes. On the mouthfeel, medium-full bodied, smooth entry with flavours of citrus, pears, vanilla and spices with refreshing acidity. This wine finish is long, slightly creamy with luscious fruit character, light spices and refreshing. Definitely my style of Chardonnay, a wine with lots of finesse and elegance where the oak treatment is carefully restrained leaving the quality of the fruit to shine. Gorgeous wine, strongly recommended, score 91 points.

Purchased November 24, 2012 LCBO Vintages new release (210039) at $34.95

Rodney Strong Cabernet Sauvignon 2009, Alexander Valley, Sonoma County, California, USA

 

This wine is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon grapes, maturation taking place in a combination of French and American oak over a period of 16 months with alcohol coming in at 14%.

The hallmark of Rodney Strong Cabernet Sauvignon from Alexander Valley have always been its aromatics. This 2009 vintage certainly does everything right, with aromas of blueberry, plum, cassis, cedar, toast, hint of pepper and light tobacco notes. On the mouthfeel, medium bodied, well integrated flavours, balance acidity and soft velvet tannins. Very good length on the finish, very smooth with flavours of chocolate, cedar, tobacco and blueberry pie lingering. A very nice middle of the road California Cabernet, very elegant and stylish and at a good price. Strongly recommended, score 90 points.

Purchased April 14, 2012 LCBO New Release (504427) at $27.95



 

Left over residual sugar, sometimes called sugar diamonds or sugar crystals.

Rodney Strong Estate Pinot Noir 2009, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, California, USA

I have enjoyed the last 3 or 4 vintages of Rodney Strong Estate Pinot Noir, I truly enjoy it's elegance and easy drinking quality. This 2009 vintage opens up with aromas of wild ripe strawberries, plums, rhubarb, cherry coke and cinnamon spice.  On the palate, medium bodied, cherry pie and baking spices flavours, fresh acidity with silky smooth tannins. This Pinot’s finish is rather short, the alcohol at 14.5% is slightly noticeable with sweet and sour fruit lingering. Certainly as good as previous vintages, it is enjoyable, very aromatic and smooth, which should appeal to many. Score 89 points.    

Purchased April 28, 2011 LCBO Vintage product (954834) at $24.95

Rodney Strong Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, California, USA

From the superb 2007 California vintage, this young Cabernet Sauvignon has complex aromatics that reveals dark plums, blackberry, currents, tobacco leaf, mint and smoke. It is medium to full body, the palate has loads of energy and length with bold fruit flavours and firm tannins. The finish is long, with persistent tannins, cedar and rich fruit that lingers. I had originally purchased six bottles last December, after having given a few away, this was my remaining bottle and is unfortunately no longer available in our jurisdiction.  I would love to revisit this wine in 3-4 years as all the elements are here for this Cabernet to age beautifully. Great wine, love the aromatics.    


This wine was purchased December 11, 2010 LCBO New Release at $ 27.95

Rodney Strong Chalk Hill Chardonnay 2008, Sonoma County, California

The fruit from this medium to full body Chardonnay is grown in the Chalk Hill appellation of Sonoma County. A refined style of California Chardonnay which went through new and old French oak barrel fermentation gives melon, pear, vanilla, clove and some toasty oak on the nose. The mouthfeel is creamy with fresh acidity and tree fruit, nutty and with some minerality. The finish is a bit hot (14.2% alc.) and spicy. A solid Chardonnay overall.

This wine was purchased April 30, 2011 LCBO New Release at $22.95