I’ve had this one in the cellar since 2009. Dark inky in color with a pleasant nose (nothing specific jumped out at me). On the mid pallet the wine is still displaying some lovely zinf fruit. This one has kept well. Lots of red/black berries come through. The wine has some lovely fine tannins along with a little hint of acidity on the finish. I would give it a solid 89-90. I paid $26.95 for it. There’s little information on the Rodney Strong website as to whether this is a field blend or not.
The LCBO currently has the 2009 available. From the LCBO web site for the 2009 vintage:
RODNEY STRONG KNOTTY VINES ZINFANDEL 2009 VINTAGES 363358 | 750 mL bottle Price: $ 22.95
Made in: California, USA By: Rodney Strong Vineyards
Release Date: Jul 21, 2012
15.0% Alcohol/Vol. Sugar Content: 7 g/L Sweetness Descriptor: D – Dry
Tasting Note
‘Knotty’ because they’re gnarled, as you would expect of vines more than a hundred years old. They’ve provided grapes for this impressive zinfandel, which carries its weight, intensity and alcohol (15%) well. You’ll find it’s balanced and structured, with consistent fruit from start to finish, and drying, manageable tannins. Drink now through 2016. Score – 4 Stars (out of 5). (Rod Phillips, rodphillipsonwine.com, June 7, 2012).
