Rodney Strong Sonoma County Merlot 2015

The Cuvée LVSB received “Stealth Cuvee” methods including two years of sur lies barrel aging and extended bottle development. It is substantially different stylistically from other Mendocino Sauvignon Blancs that have been released previously and is easily identified by a new “Stealthy” Label. Cuvée LVSB is from Wente Vineyards vines planted in the 1880s from Chateau d’Yquem cuttings imported by Charles Wetmore, Chief Executive of the State Viticultural Comissioners. Following the end of Prohibition, in 1935 Ernest and Herman Wente introduced California’s first vintage dated, varietally labelled wine, a 1935 Sauvignon Blanc that won a Gold Medal and Grand Prize at the 1939 World’s Fair in San Francisco and created a sensation in New York when it was introduced by Frank Schoonmaker in 1940. 80% Sauvignon Blanc and 20% Semillon

Textured, classic Russian River Chardonnay with pleasing counterbalance between ripeness and acidity,distinguishable by underlying minerality, quality oak.

The nose is a blend of pear fruit and caramel. On the palate, these notes continue and are balanced with a hint of Rangpur lime in the finish. The crisp acidity is a perfect balance to the richness of the wine. This is exactly what RRV CH can be when top sites are well farmed and winemaking is focused.

The 2014 Paring Red (50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% each of Merlot and Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot) offers plenty of blackcurrant, toasted spice, graphite and licorice notes in a medium-bodied, chewy style.