Winemaker Notes
The 2022 Knights Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is deeply colored and bursting with aromas of crushed blackberries, spicy dark plum, dusty cocoa powder, cassis and wild raspberry. The complex layers of spice, red fruit and chocolate on the palate are framed in rich, velvety tannins with a long lingering finish.
Enjoy this Cabernet Sauvignon with braised short ribs, ravioli or lamb shanks, or cellar it to enjoy over the next several years.
The label for Rodney Strong Knights Valley Estate Cabernet Sauvignon is in the process of changing. You may receive either of these two labels featured above. Specific labels cannot be requested.
Professional Ratings
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Wine Enthusiast
This powerful Cabernet delivers aromas of roasted black cherry, dark cocoa, violets and cinnamon on the nose, while the palate displays rich berry character and flavors of currant, saddle leather, black pepper and a wave of raspberry lemon acidity across the middle before a powerful, tannic finish takes over. Best from 2030-2045.
Founded by wine industry pioneer, Rod Strong, in 1959, Rodney Strong Vineyards is now owned by the Kleins, a farming-based family that prides itself on land stewardship and a relentless push for superior wine quality from Sonoma County. After purchasing the company in 1989, Tom Klein began the endeavor that today brings together excellent vineyards, the industry's finest winemaking equipment, and exceptional talent. The winery farms and sources grapes from vineyards throughout Sonoma County, focusing on Alexander Valley, Russian River Valley and Chalk Hill. Rodney Strong Vineyards is best known for its estate-bottled and vineyard-designated wines, and is also recognized for their sustainable and Fish Friendly Farming, dedication to solar energy production and becoming carbon neutral in 2009.
A noble variety bestowed with both power and concentration, Cabernet Sauvignon enjoys success all over the globe, its best examples showing potential to age beautifully for decades. Cabernet Sauvignon flourishes in Bordeaux's Medoc where it is often blended with Merlot and smaller amounts of some combination of Cabernet Franc, Malbecand Petit Verdot. In the Napa Valley, ‘Cab’ is responsible for some of the world’s most prestigious, age-worthy and sought-after “cult” wines. Somm Secret—DNA profiling in 1997 revealed that Cabernet Sauvignon was born from a spontaneous crossing of Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc in 17th century southwest France.
A small and picturesque valley separating Napa Valley on its south border and Alexander Valley to its north, Knights Valley excels in similar varieties as the two aforementioned appellations, namely red Bordeaux varieties and blends, as well as Sauvignon blanc. Originally established by Beringer Vineyards, today several outstanding producers claim acreage here. The circadian cooling effects of the nearby Pacific Ocean create a nighttime respite for vineyards during the hot growing season.