Red Wine Rodney Strong Cabernet Sauvignon 2017. This seductive Cabernet opens with generous notes of cassis, blackberry and dark cherry along with hints of mint, green bell pepper and dark chocolate. The first sip reveals a full body, firm tannins and well-developed structure along with a long finish. On the palate there are rich flavours of dark berries, leather and smoky tobacco. The bold flavour profile makes this Californian Cabernet a great partner for red meat dishes such as a prime steak, beef bourguignon, or barbecued ribs. This exceptional wine is crafted from grapes sourced from three prime vineyards in Jimtown, Geyserville, and Cloverdale. Following vinification the wine is aged in oak to add subtle notes of mocha and roasted coffee beans as well as additional complexity and tannins. Rodney Strong was the former dancer turned winemaker who founded this estate in 1959 and was instrumental in laying the foundations for quality viticulture in Chalk Hill, Russian River Valley and Alexander Valley. In 1989 the Klein family took over the estate which has remained in their capable hands to this day. They extensively modernised the winery and insist on a sustainable approach to winemaking in both the winery and vineyards.
2017
Red Wine Rodney Strong Cabernet Sauvignon 2017
Red Wine Rombauer Vineyards Merlot 2017. Koerner and Joan Rombauer relocated from Escondido in Southern California to Napa Valley in 1972, although it was only in 1980 that they made their first Rombauer wine. Rombauer’s premier winemaking facilities have also been used by everyone from Duckhorn and Dominus to Spottswoode over the years.
2017
Red Wine Rubinelli Vajol Valpolicella Ripasso Classico Superiore 2017. It is recommended to decant it for half an hour. Founded by Gaetano Rubinelli, the Rubinelli Vajol company is located in the geographical center of the historic Valpolicella area. Exposed entirely to the south, the ten hectares of vineyards of the company are surrounded by the beautiful countryside of this area with dry stone walls, olive, almond, and cherry trees with the rural house, the cellar, and the drying room in the center. The grapes (50% Corvina, 25% Corvinone, 15% Rondinella, 5% Molinara, 5% Oseleta) are pressed after 15 days of drying. Fermentation and maceration take place in stainless steel at a controlled temperature. In January or February, the wine is re-fermented (Ri-passo technique) for 5-6 days on the pomace of the freshly drawn Amarone, obtaining more structure, power, and harmony. Finally, the finished wine rests in large oak barrels. Valpolicella Ripasso Classico Superiore Rubinelli Vajol is an elegant wine with excellent structure. In the glass, it shows an intense ruby red color. The nose releases fruity aromas of black cherry, blueberry, and rhubarb followed by delicate spicy notes. In the mouth, it is round and well balanced with enveloping and silky tannins and very pleasant persistence. Try it with Bolognese lasagna or roast pork.
2017