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2013 Cabernet Sauvignon
Description
Winemaking Notes
"Rodney Strong offers three single vineyard Cabernet Sauvignons. The 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Rockaway, which comes from an elevation of 225 to 700 feet, has dense blueberry and blackberry fruit, sweet, pure cassis, touches of minerality and flowers, and a long, layered mouthfeel with moderate tannin. This is another firmly structured yet well-endowed Alexander Valley Cabernet to drink over the next 3-4 years as well as the following 20-25." - Robert Parker The Wine Advocate
History
The Alexander Valley AVA is 22 miles long, ranging in elevation from 150 to 1500 feet above sea level, and is home to our three single vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon wines. Our winegrowers have found the very best grapes grow on higher elevated western slopes, or as they say, the “sweet spots”. Spread throughout our three vineyards, we’ve determined the best blocks are typically located just below the ridge tops with a western facing aspect to capture the full warmth and light of the afternoon sun. In the northernmost hills near our Brothers vineyard, with average growing-season temperatures of 67 degrees, heat dominates, allowing Cabernet Sauvignon to ripen well. In the middle of the valley, Rockaway vineyard, with average temperatures of 62 degrees, balances heat and Pacific Ocean cooling breezes – allowing for classic structure development. The even cooler Alexander’s Crown vineyard, with average temperatures of 59 degrees in the southern valley, yields more delicate, “feminine” style Cabernet Sauvignon. In the distance of only 12 short miles, average temperatures change eight degrees among our vineyards during growing season, thereby allowing three very different expressions of Cabernet Sauvignon.
The Vineyards
Established in 1994, Rockaway is planted mostly to Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, but includes all five of the classic Bordeaux varieties. Rising up to an elevation of 750 feet, the land generally slopes northeast and southwest, with soils comprised of gravelly clay subsoil over fractured sandstone. This well-drained, low pH earth tends to encourage the production of small-berried clusters, ideal for making a bold, concentrated Cabernet Sauvignon with juicy red and black fruit character, and an elegantly round and seductive mid-palate.
