Winemaker Notes
Blend: 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Malbec, 5% Merlot, 4% Petit Verdot, 3% Cabernet Franc
Professional Ratings
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Wine & Spirits
Rodney Strong’s investments in hillside vineyards have been paying off in wines like this 2014, a blend based on cabernet sauvignon from the Brothers Vineyard in the hills above Geyserville. It includes small lots of merlot and petit verdot from estate properties in Alexander Valley, along with malbec and cabernet from Knights Valley. It’s the clarity of the flavor that’s most impressive—woodland cherry notes that capture the cool elevations of the fruit and a dark, foresty mushroom savor that amplifies the tannins. Silky and plump, with lasting intensity, this is a mouthwatering cabernet to serve with roast lamb.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Medium to deep garnet-purple in color, the 2014 Proprietary Red Symmetry has pretty red and black currants notes with touches of dried herbs, tilled soil and tapenade. Medium to full-bodied, the palate gives up vibrant black fruits with a refreshing line and nice, chewy tannins, finishing on a mineral note.
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Wilfred Wong of Wine.com
COMMENTARY: I have always liked the name Symmetry because it reminded me that one of Rodney Strong Vineyards reasons to be is to make balanced wines. The 2014 vintage represents elegance. TASTING NOTES: This wine is firm and well-balanced. Its aromas and flavors of red and black fruit, with just a touch of oak and moderate tannins, should make an ideal match with roast chicken. (Tasted: November 14, 2018, San Francisco, CA)
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.
One of the world’s most classic and popular styles of red wine, Bordeaux-inspired blends have spread from their homeland in France to nearly every corner of the New World. Typically based on either Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot and supported by Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot, the best of these are densely hued, fragrant, full of fruit and boast a structure that begs for cellar time. Somm Secret—Blends from Bordeaux are generally earthier compared to those from the New World, which tend to be fruit-dominant.
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.