Cabernet sauvignon 2019 (Rodney Strong)

Drink now or cellar for up to 7 years. No need to decant before serving. This seductive Cabernet opens with generous notes of cassis, blackberry and dark cherry along with hints of mint, green bell pepper and dark chocolate. The first sip reveals a full body, firm tannins and well-developed structure along with a long finish. On the palate there are rich flavours of dark berries, leather and smoky tobacco. The bold flavour profile makes this Californian Cabernet a great partner for red meat dishes such as a prime steak, beef bourguignon, or barbecued ribs. This exceptional wine is crafted from grapes sourced from three prime vineyards in Jimtown, Geyserville, and Cloverdale. Following vinification the wine is aged in oak to add subtle notes of mocha and roasted coffee beans as well as additional complexity and tannins. Rodney Strong was the former dancer turned winemaker who founded this estate in 1959 and was instrumental in laying the foundations for quality viticulture in Chalk Hill, Russian River Valley and Alexander Valley. In 1989 the Klein family took over the estate which has remained in their capable hands to this day. They extensively modernised the winery and insist on a sustainable approach to winemaking in both the winery and vineyards.