Rodney Strong Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

Professional Ratings

• 92 Tasting Panel
  From a rainy spring season to summer heat waves, this vintage endured some challenges but pulled through with determination: Aged for 16 months in (20% new) French oak, it’s an expressive red that speaks of violets, blueberry, soy sauce, and underbrush on both the nose and palate while further proving its worthiness with alert acidity, a stream of dark chocolate, and lush notes of coffee.
• 92 Decanter
  Layered blackberry, bramble nose with clove, vanilla spice and a dusting of cocoa. Energetic acidity, structured palate with abundant fruit and a long finish.
• 91 Wine & Spirits
  Justin Seidenfeld blended this wine from a range of vineyards, focus- ing on the hills surrounding Alexander Valley, offering a bright Bing cherry–scented cabernet that feels cool and elegant. The tannins in the finish are bitter at first, but they develop and merge into the gentle rolling richness of the fruit, adding tension and spice. An impressive value.
• 90 Wilfred Wong of Wine.com
  COMMENTARY: The 2018 Rodney Strong Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon is firm, well-built for current enjoyment. TASTING NOTES: This wine shines with aromas and flavors of black fruit and licorice. Pair it with a grilled, well-marbled ribeye. (Tasted: July 8, 2021, San Francisco, CA)
• 90 James Suckling
  A fresh and easy cab with redcurrants, fine tannins and a fresh and bright finish. Medium body. Clean and bright at the end. No-nonsense red here.
• 90 Wine Enthusiast
  This offers outstanding value—a nice mingling of rich red fruit with lively spice and oak. With additions of Merlot, Zinfandel, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petite Sirah, it delivers fruity flavor within an approachable, enjoyable length of supple tannin and lush texture.