For decades, Rodney Strong Vineyards has been synonymous with approachable, accessible wines. But with a new winemaker at the helm and substantial changes to their winery and vineyards, much has changed. In short: this isn’t the Rodney Strong you thought it was. We had the opportunity to experience Rodney Strong’s latest Rejuvenation wines. Read on and be surprised by what we discovered.
1. It’s Not Just Cab
Rodney Strong’s bestselling wine is Cabernet Sauvignon. However, we were nicely surprised by their 2018 Old Vine Zinfandel and 2020 Russian River Valley Rosé of Pinot Noir. Both fly a little under the radar in the world of value wine, likely due to their unassuming labels and the fact that most associate Rodney Strong with Cab.
The Rodney Strong Vineyards Zinfandel contains grapes from vineyards over 100 years old, along with some newer vineyards in the Alexander and Dry Creek Valleys. It isn’t the jammy fruit bomb one might expect from a wine at this price. While it does have the classic dark fruit of a California Zinfandel, it also has a wonderfully earthy dimension. Layers of ripe black plum, blackberry, black olive, hints of smoke, spice, and vanilla give the wine depth. Medium tannins and medium acidity give the wine structure, with hints of chocolate on the finish. The Zinfandel has a $25 MSRP, but can often be found for under $20 depending on the retailer.
The Rodney Strong Vineyards Russian River Valley Rosé is great if you like your rosé crisp and dry, but also with some nice fruit on the palate. It has a pale pink/salmon hue, and offers juicy strawberry, cherry, and raspberry notes. The finish is dry, with a hint of salinity and a zesty prick of minerality. The Rosé has a $25 MSRP, but also can often be found for under $20 depending on the retailer.
2. It’s Sustainable
Rodney Strong may be a behemoth, but it’s also quietly committed to reducing its environmental impact. All of its wineries are carbon-neutral, with offsets purchased where needed. Rodney Strong is also certified sustainable with the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance. This means it follows many practices including minimal pesticide usage, water conservation, and usage of solar energy.
3. It’s a Steal Right Now
Here’s a secret: you can get a more mature Rodney Strong vintage for the same price. How? During the pandemic, restaurant dining dropped dramatically. One year later, a surplus of quality wines are still widely available for purchase. This includes the 2017 Rodney Strong Merlot, which normally would have sold out last year. Now, it’s still at major retailers for just $20. The 2017 Merlot is in its peak drinking window, with lush, approachable dark fruit carried on a frame of velvety, earthy tannins. It offers notes of chocolate, raspberry, black cherry, black plum, vanilla and oak spice, backed by bright acidity.
Another fun reason why the Rodney Strong Merlot is so great right now? Winemaker Justin Seidenfeld just gave the varietal a special revamp. In fact, you’ll notice the Vivino reviews for Rodney Strong Merlot skyrocket from a mere 3.3 stars to 4 stars after he joined in 2015. “My favorite variety is Merlot,” says Seidenfeld. “When made properly, it can be structured yet soft, and have lots of depth of character.” After arriving, Seidenfeld significantly reduced yields and became more selective about producers. The current Merlot contains a blend of grapes from the Knight’s Valley, Dry Creek, and Russian River AVAs. The vineyards contain calcium-clay soils, similar to Bordeaux, lending extra complexity and softness.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for approachable wines in the $20-$25 range, Rodney Strong’s Rejuvenation wines are worth a try. In particular, it’s worth hurrying to the store to grab a bottle of the 2017 Rodney Strong Merlot before it’s gone. These easy-to-drink wines are made with the sustainability and affordability in mind — a combination that’s hard to find. Learn more at RodneyStrong.com.