Rodney Strong Cabernet Sauvignon 2000 Sonoma County, California $18
We bought a bunch price $14.99
What the Wine Critics thought: Wine Enthusiast 90 points A nice Cabernet, and in its own way, classic Alexander Valley. Well-ripened blackberry fruit is dry, with soft but lithe tannins and gentle acids. Despite the softness, the wine has a good firm mouth feel, and quite a bit of richness and depth.
What we thought: This is a lot of wine for $15... It leads with cedar, blackberry and hints of licorice on the nose and follows with a smooth medium-bodied, blackberry - cassis palate, supple tannins and enough acid to make it pair up nicely with food. Drink this with anything from hamburger to filet. Probably not a long term cellar candidate, but very drinkable over the next few years.

February 25, 2003