Winemaker Notes
Bursting with generous ripe fruit and orange blossom aromatics, our fume-style Alexander Valley Sauvignon blanc offers juicy flavors of kiwifruit, yellow peach, and passionfruit wrapped in bright refreshing acidity. A full and soft midpalate and notes of vanilla panna cotta are the outcome of aging sur lie in 400 liter French oak barrels. The wine finishes with subtle sweet almond and mineral complexity. Try this with smoked salmon, chicken picatta, or a lemon mascarpone pasta dish.
Blend: 94% Sauvignon Blanc, 3% Viognier, 3% Semillon
Professional Ratings
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Tasting Panel
Akin to a Sancerre with a dollop of California sun, this winery's first Sauvignon Blanc from Alexander Valley is a glistening beauty. Aged 59% in stainless steel, 40% in French oak, and 1% percent in a small tank that winemaker Greg Morthole refers to as a "sideways concrete egg," this complex white sees the addition of a small portion of Viognier and Sémillon to impart volume and aromatics; the Sauvignon Musqué clone, meanwhile, only intensifies its exotic nature. Lemon sorbet and salinity whisper on the first sip, and honeysuckle develops midway, lengthening the well- rounded mouthfeel. A squeeze of white grapefruit and ripe melon captivate on the finish.
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James Suckling
The nose is mineral-driven with aromas of grapefruit, lemon balm and river stones. The palate is medium-bodied with a generous texture, supported by striking acidity and notes of orange blossoms, lime zest and passion fruit. Fermented in 400-liter French oak barrels, 54% new, from a blend of 94% sauvignon blanc, 3% viognier and 3% semillon.
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.
Capable of a vast array of styles, Sauvignon Blanc is a crisp, refreshing variety that equally reflects both terroir and varietal character. Though it can vary depending on where it is grown, a couple of commonalities always exist—namely, zesty acidity and intense aromatics. This variety is of French provenance. Somm Secret—Along with Cabernet Franc, Sauvignon Blanc is a proud parent of Cabernet Sauvignon. That green bell pepper aroma that all three varieties share is no coincidence—it comes from a high concentration of pyrazines (herbaceous aromatic compounds) inherent to each member of the family.
Nearly a northern extension of Napa Valley, Alexander Valley starts just north of the small, Knights Valley, and is just a few minutes drive from the Napa town of Calistoga. It is Sonoma County’s hottest AVA. But the Russian River, which runs through the valley, creates cooler pockets and its soft, alluvial soil is ideal for grape growing, especially Cabernet Sauvignon. In fact, some believe that Alexander Valley Cabernets truly rival the best from Napa Valley and many of the heavy-hitter producers have largely invested here.
In addition to Cabernet Sauvignon, which makes up over 50% of plantings, Merlot and old vine Zinfandel thrive here. Ample, fleshy Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc dominate white wine production. Some old-vine plantings of Grenache have also been discovered and more recent experiments with Sangiovese and Barbera show great promise.