Rodney Strong Wine Estates Russian River Valley Pinot Noir 2016

Alana L rated this wine as 89/100 with the following review:

From a winery with environmentally positive practices (solar powered, certified sustainable, Fish Friendly Farming practicing, carbon neutral), this Russian River Valley Pjnot Noir is full of red fruit (raspberry, tart strawberry, plum – both fresh and dried), warm earth and cinnamon spice on the nose and a palate that adds layers of leather and slightly toasted marshmallow as well as slight citrus notes. Rich, with a generous body it’s balanced, layered and nuanced.

I’d pair this with a simple pepper sauce pork tenderloin on the barbecue, vegetarian stroganoff, or slightly smoky caciocavallo cheese.

California hosts a profound diversity of soils and climates that offer a unique range of expressions for Pinot Noir, one of the most regionally expressive varieties in the world.

Tasted as part of the 'California Wine Month: Expressions of California Pinot Noir’, a panel discussion and tasting that explored the distinctive character of Pinot Noir from the entire length of the state, bringing together some of its most celebrated winemakers to discuss their insights and experience with the variety; moderated by writer and speaker Elaine Chukan Brown and California Wines Canada and featuring panelists Megan Gunderson Paredes, Winemaker, WALT Wines; Greg Morthole, Winemaker, Davis Bynum Rodney Strong Vineyards; Mike Waller, Winemaker, Calera Winery; Paul Clifton, Director of Winemaking and Greg Brewer, Winemaker, Brewer Clifton.

Cheers!

Perry rated this wine as 91/100

Pam Hatton rated this wine as 90/100 with the following review:

Ruby up to the edge. Stewed cherries, plums, some nutmeg, smoke and mushrooms. The high alcohol (14.5) masks some of the more nuanced notes like cola when it opens up. Full bodied for a Pinot Noir with dry tannins and balanced acidity. Jammy cherries and red fruit on the palate with a hot finish. The high alcohol level gives the impression of some berry sweetness. Let the wine open up or best to age before drinking to mellow.

Jennifer Havers rated this wine as 90/100 with the following review:

A bit of alcohol heat on the nose but overall very pleasant. Aromas of dark cherry, raspberry, smoke and spice with a slight green herbaceousness. Medium bodied with bright acidity, ripe, dark fruit on the palate, and some smoky spice on the finish. Enjoy with cedar planked salmon or grilled vegetables with balsamic glaze.

Colin McKone rated this wine as 91/100 with the following review:

Ruby in colour with aromas of black cherry, strawberry, tobacco and smoke. It is medium bodied with light tannins and medium acidity. It has flavours of tart cherry, strawberry and baking spice. This will pair well with roasted chicken, salmon or red meats. Taste on November 17, 2019.

David Skinner rated this wine as 91/100 with the following review:

Medium ruby, pink rim. Dark cherries, strawberries, and herbaceous notes and alcohol (14.5%) on the nose. Good acid/tannin balance. Stewed berries and dark cherry palate with spices. Long finish with an emphasis on spice.

Courtney Flood rated this wine as 90/100 with the following review:

Cherry, raspberry, tomato leaf - fresh to start but leads into a long smoky finish with toffee, dried leather, black pepper. Complex and great value for a well made Pinot Noir.

Peter Neilson rated this wine as 91/100 with the following review:

Dark cherries, strawberries, dried fruit. Hint of basil. Faint allspice/coconut. Lightly-cooked dark fruit compote. Smooth mouthfeel. Fresh acidity. Medium tannins. Long spicy finish,with a touch of bitterness (some whole-cluster crushing?). Really nicely integrated. Should keep nicely at least 3-5 years. Great value Pinot Noir!