The Rodney Strong “brand” is often seen as ubiquitous, as if that’s a bad thing. The many varied releases from this Sonoma estate range from very good, everyday offerings to single-vineyard bottlings of incredible depth. This estate remains one of the fairest priced in the region, despite their continual raising of the bar on quality. Today’s offering, the 2014 Sonoma Coast Chardonnay is a case in point. I can only imagine what the result of blind tasting guesses, by sophisticated critics, might be regarding this dazzler. Those looking for the richness that new French oak can impart, plus the fine-etched acids that the Sonoma Coast offers, are in for a treat. And, at a very reasonable cost.
2014 Chardonnay, Rodney Strong Estate Vineyards, Sonoma Coast $25 srp
Bright but deep yellow color. Warm, inviting nose of a butterscotch apple, beeswax and smoke with underpinnings of lemon curd and grapefruit. Remarkable depth that lingers long on the sinuses. Flavor is vibrant yet smoothly polished with spiced pear and mild citrus aftertaste that keeps it focused and refreshing. Big yet agile, this is a great match for a creamy chicken salad, red snapper or a mushroom-lentil concoction. (50% aged in new French Oak barrels, 50% in stainless steel) Drink now-2020.
92/100 points
To purchase this bottle of wine or to find something similar from a wide selection of wines, email or call Hope Valley Bottle Shop at 919-403-5200. Don’t miss their free wine tastings every Saturday evening from 4:30 to 7:00 p.m. Find your favorite bottle or expand your palate with something new from Hope Valley Bottle Shop — South Durham’s original bottle shop. Visit them at the Woodcroft Shopping Center or at hvbottleshop.
