Review: *** $$ Rodney Strong Cabernet Sauvignon, Sonoma, CA, 2006

Check out today's pricing and retail availability for Rodney Strong Cabernet Sauvignon.

By way of background, opening thoughts: We just tried a popular Sonoma cabernet sauvignon with 10 years of age since vintage date... and found it a bit past its peak.  Here is a different, equally popular, value-priced Sonoma cabernet sauvignon, with the same alcohol level, but now only six years from vintage date.

Original tasting and review : This is Rodney Strong Cabernet Sauvignon, Sonoma, CA, 2006, finished at 13.8% alcohol.

In the glass: Deep ruby red.

On the nose: Poured cool with a brief decant and swirled vigorously, shows deep, somewhat murky red berry fruit.  From the aroma, seems like this will be soft, fruity and, perhaps, limp. 

On the palate: The primary elements on the palate are in fact smooth red berries, more lifted and positive in tone than I anticipated.  Fresh and toasty, lightly sweet red berries.  Very clean finish, sweet, with a nice "clench" at the end, suggesting the tannins have held very well together.

In summary: Overall, rates an easy three stars on the five-star Spirit of Wine scale.

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Check out today's pricing and retail availability for Rodney Strong Cabernet Sauvignon.