Rodney Strong Vineyards

Owner(s)	Tom Klein
Web site	www.rodneystrong.com

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This is one of those venerable long-standing labels you often see in the supermarket but pay little attention to if you are a diehard pinotphile. Times have changed, however, and this winery is producing Russian River Valley Pinot Noir that is both distinctive and value-priced. Rodney Strong, who founded the winery in 1959, was among the first modern wine pioneers in the Russian River Valley, planting his River East Vineyard in 1968. The winery was sold to Guinness and then bought by the Klein family in 1989.

In the mid 2000s, the winery planted about 600 acres of new vineyards and more than half of the company's wines come from estate vineyards. In 2006 a portion of the winery was dedicated to producing reserve wines including a reserve Pinot Noir. The winery has the largest solar instillation in the county. In 2007, Rodney Strong bought the Davis Bynum brand.

The winemakers are Rick Sayre and Gary Patzwald and the viticulturalist is Douglas McIlroy. Sayre is celebrating 30 years as winemaker at Rodney Strong Vineyards in 2009.The Pinot Noir lineup includes an Estate Pinot Noir, a Reserve Russian River Valley Pinot Noir and a Reserve Jane's Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir.

The tasting room on Old Redwood Highway is open daily. The wines are available on the website and distributed nationally.

Articles About Rodney Strong Vineyards

California Recession-Busting Pinots (7.6 11/17/2008)
Pinot Noir Shootout Prelims (6.48 12/16/2007)
Small Sips of Russian River Valley Pinot (7.9 1/1/2009)

Reviewed Wines

2006 Rodney Strong Estate Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.3% alc., $22 This is one of those venerable long-standing labels you often see in the supermarket but pay little attention to. Times have changed, and these two wines indicate that this winery is producing Russian River Valley Pinot Noir that is both distinctive and qualitatively outstanding. Rodney Strong was among the first modern wine pioneers in the Russian River Valley, planting his River East Vineyard in 1968. The current owner is Tom Klein. The winemakers are Rick Seyre and Gary Patzwald and the viticulturalist is Douglas Mcilroy. This wine is 97% Pinot Noir and 3% Syrah. · Rich, bright fruity perfume with lovely spice and cherry flavors, an oak sidecar, and a healthy tannic backbone. This wine will benefit from more time in the bottle. Reviewed

2006 Rodney Strong Estate Vineyards Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.3% alc., $22. Rodney Strong is a very large producer of multiple varieties of wine from Sonoma County vineyards. The Pinot Noir program has been very impressive of late. The accomplished winemaker is Rick Sayre. 3% Syrah. Aged 9 months in French oak barrels. · Moderately light reddish-purple color. Demure red cherry perfume with subtle oak aromas. Appealing bolt of red cherry fruit on entry. Refined and persistent in the mouth with fine-grain tannins and a slightly dry finish. I would be perfectly happy with this wine at dinner. A Reserve is also available at $35. Reviewed November 17, 2008 ARTICLE »

2005 Rodney Strong Reserve Jane’s Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., $45. The grapes are from a more recent planting of Pinot Noir in honor of owner Tom Klein’s mother. · A veritable spice cabinet in the nose along with crushed cherries and a hint of toast. Nicely weighted and balanced, this easy drinker has plenty of spiced cherry, clove and oak flavors with a tart finish. Reviewed December 16, 2007 ARTICLE »

2004 Rodney Strong Reserve Jane’s Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.6% alc., $34. This wine is a barrel selection from the finest blocks in Jane’s Vineyard. · Green pepper and oak overtake the core of red berry and cherry fruit. Unusually plentiful tannins for a four-year-old wine. Lacks richness and nuance. I prefer the regular Rodney Strong Estate bottling at half the price. Reviewed January 1, 2009 ARTICLE »