Alexander Valley Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 (Rodney Strong)

Cellar for up to 6 years. No need to decant before serving. The Rodney Strong estate was established in 1959 by the professional dancer of the same name who left behind his professional career to make wine in Sonoma County. Strong was one of the early pioneers in appellations like Alexander Valley, Chalk Hill, and Russian River Valley where he helped to establish these regions’ reputations for producing exceptional wines. In 1989 the Klein family took over the property and have embarked on an ambitious modernisation program with a strong focus on sustainability. This powerful Cabernet is crafted from top quality fruit from hillside vineyards in Alexander Valley which Rodney Strong identified as the ideal terroir for the variety as early as 1971. The combination of elevation and gentle slopes helps to craft richly-fruited wines with plenty of freshness and a distinctive aromatic character. On the nose there are enticing notes of crushed dark berries, cherries and forest floor notes while the palate offers a full body, firm tannins and elegant structure. The wine ages in oak barrels for 18 months which adds subtle toasted notes and extra complexity. While very approachable now, this Cabernet will age well in the cellar over the next six to eight years.