Rodney Strong Rockaway Cabernet Sauvignon 2013

The 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Rockaway has plenty of intensity and ripeness, but also the structure to handle all of the fruit richness. Graphite, smoke, leather, cedar and tobacco add considerable aromatic nuance, with plenty of gravitas and depth from the dark fruit. Drink this large-scaled, flamboyant Cabernet Sauvignon over the next decade or so.

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.

This wine from the heart of the appellation is woody with cedar and sage notes, its leathery texture defined by firm tannins. Full-bodied, it shows an underlying streak of bright acidity, keeping it balanced and lively in the glass, highlighted with black cherry and currant fruit.

An intense, powerful youngster that will require patience. The intensity of the fruit and tannins combine for an assertive presence that may be a bit too much for some, at least at this stage. Best from 2019 through 2029. 1,647 cases made.