Rodney Strong Sonoma County Merlot 2004
Region: Sonoma Valley
Winery: Rodney Strong
Variety: Merlot

To some people, merlot may seem like a new kid on the block. But at Rodney Strong Vineyards we’ve been growing it since the early 1970’s, when Rod Strong first planted merlot in Geyserville, the heart of the Alexander Valley. Today we farm over 100 acres in the Alexander Valley and the northern portion of the Russian River Valley. Together, these areas display the bright, red fruit character of the Russian River with the deep dark fruit flavors and mature tannins of the warmer Alexander Valley. The 2004 vintage began with an early bud break during an unseasonably warm March, followed by a contrastingly cool April. After a normal May and June, July and the first part of August were on the cool side, but by the end of August, harvest was well underway as a heat spell got ripening going strong and early for most varietals, with all of our merlot in by the 14th of October.We fermented this wine on its skins for an average of eight days, and barrel aged it for twenty-five months in French and American oak barrels. Plum and blueberry flavors predominate in this soft, rich, mouth filling merlot, and are enhanced by aging in small oak barrels for a toasty, spicy vanilla character, and a lingering berry-cream finish. Drink this satisfying merlot over the next 2 to 4 years.2003 Acclaim: GOLD - International Eastern Wine Competition, June 2007 GOLD - West Coast Wine Competition, April 2007

Posted by thewinery on December 2nd, 2007 at 9:22pm | report comment