- About This Wine
- Ratings & Reviews
- Tasting Notes
About This Wine
Ratings & Reviews
Tasting Notes
ABOUT THIS WINE
REVIEWS
WINEMAKER NOTES
The 2019 Rodney Strong Rockaway Cabernet Sauvignon stands as a compelling single vineyard expression of Alexander Valley, capturing both the pedigree of its site and the generosity of an outstanding Sonoma County vintage. This is a Cabernet Sauvignon that speaks confidently in a classic, structured voice while offering the polish and accessibility that serious collectors and enthusiasts alike seek. From the first pour, the wine announces depth and concentration, delivering a dark, saturated core that immediately signals its pedigree and age worthy intent.
On the nose and palate, the 2019 Rockaway Cabernet Sauvignon reveals wonderfully concentrated flavors of dark plum and red currant layered with notes of tobacco leaf, worn leather, and subtle earth. Baking spices weave seamlessly through the fruit profile, adding warmth and complexity without overshadowing the wine’s inherent freshness. There is a palpable sense of minerality here, an earthy backbone that grounds the ripe fruit and provides balance. The structure is rich and composed, with finely grained tannins that frame the wine beautifully and carry it through a long, lingering finish that echoes with savory spice and dark fruit resonance.
The character of this Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is inseparable from its vineyard. Established in 1994, the Rockaway Vineyard rises to elevations of up to 750 feet, with northeast and southwest facing slopes that optimize sun exposure while preserving freshness. The gravelly clay subsoil over fractured greywacke sandstone is well drained and naturally low in pH, encouraging small berried clusters and resulting in a bold, concentrated Cabernet Sauvignon with juicy red and black fruit and an elegantly round, seductive mid palate. The presence of all five classic Bordeaux varieties planted on site further underscores the seriousness of this terroir.
The 2019 growing season in Sonoma County provided ideal conditions for such a wine. Abundant winter and spring rains replenished the soils, while early summer heat acclimated the vines, allowing them to endure August warmth with ease. Harvested between October 8 and 10, the fruit achieved excellent ripeness, with elevated sugars and fully developed flavors. The result is a Rockaway Cabernet Sauvignon that can be enjoyed now for its richness and polish, yet promises even greater complexity with 8 to 10 years of cellaring, making it a highly attractive proposition for collectors searching for a refined, age worthy Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon.
Alcohol: 14.5%
On the nose and palate, the 2019 Rockaway Cabernet Sauvignon reveals wonderfully concentrated flavors of dark plum and red currant layered with notes of tobacco leaf, worn leather, and subtle earth. Baking spices weave seamlessly through the fruit profile, adding warmth and complexity without overshadowing the wine’s inherent freshness. There is a palpable sense of minerality here, an earthy backbone that grounds the ripe fruit and provides balance. The structure is rich and composed, with finely grained tannins that frame the wine beautifully and carry it through a long, lingering finish that echoes with savory spice and dark fruit resonance.
The character of this Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is inseparable from its vineyard. Established in 1994, the Rockaway Vineyard rises to elevations of up to 750 feet, with northeast and southwest facing slopes that optimize sun exposure while preserving freshness. The gravelly clay subsoil over fractured greywacke sandstone is well drained and naturally low in pH, encouraging small berried clusters and resulting in a bold, concentrated Cabernet Sauvignon with juicy red and black fruit and an elegantly round, seductive mid palate. The presence of all five classic Bordeaux varieties planted on site further underscores the seriousness of this terroir.
The 2019 growing season in Sonoma County provided ideal conditions for such a wine. Abundant winter and spring rains replenished the soils, while early summer heat acclimated the vines, allowing them to endure August warmth with ease. Harvested between October 8 and 10, the fruit achieved excellent ripeness, with elevated sugars and fully developed flavors. The result is a Rockaway Cabernet Sauvignon that can be enjoyed now for its richness and polish, yet promises even greater complexity with 8 to 10 years of cellaring, making it a highly attractive proposition for collectors searching for a refined, age worthy Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon.
Alcohol: 14.5%
94 POINTS - "Mint and black cherry aromas lead to vivid, juicy black cherry and blackberry flavors in this well-balanced, moderately tannic wine. It has the grip and good balance for pairing with all sorts of protein, including rich meat, bird and bean dishes." - Wine Enthusiast
91 POINTS - "Mint and black cherry aromas lead to vivid, juicy black cherry and blackberry flavors in this well-balanced, moderately tannic wine. It has the grip and good balance for pairing with all sorts of protein, including rich meat, bird and bean dishes." - Jeb Dunnuck
Socially Rated 4+ / 5 ⭐
91 POINTS - "Mint and black cherry aromas lead to vivid, juicy black cherry and blackberry flavors in this well-balanced, moderately tannic wine. It has the grip and good balance for pairing with all sorts of protein, including rich meat, bird and bean dishes." - Jeb Dunnuck
Socially Rated 4+ / 5 ⭐
The 2019 Rockaway has wonderful concentrated flavors of dark plum and red currant with notes of tobacco and leather. The earthy minerality of the wine is balanced out by notes of baking spices with a rich, complex structure and a long lingering finish. Enjoy this wine now or cellar it for enjoyment in 8 to 10 years.