Dark in color with a mild nose of red berries. On the mid pallet the wine displays some red berries and some mild plum notes. The wine is medium in length with some smooth tannin. This is a nice wine but definitely not a fruit forward merlot. Almost more cab like. I would give ti an 88-89.
From the LCBO web site:
Rodney Strong Merlot 2011—VINTAGES#: 497933
STYLE – Full-bodied & Smooth
Rodney Strong was Sonoma’s 13th bonded winery back in 1959, and the Klein family has owned it ever since 1989. They strive for sustainable agriculture and thus became Sonoma County’s first carbon-neutral winery. There’s terrific balance, structure, supple texture and length on the finish of this wine. Alluring aromas of mocha-coffee on the nose along with rich black fruit. Pleasantly surprising vibrant acidity for food. Plush black plums and coffee on the finish. Try is with braised beef. This warm-climate Merlot finishes with vanilla spice, dark berry and fig. Pair with: beef, cheese, poultry, borsch (beet soup), quesadillas. Drink: 2014-2018. Score – 91. (Natalie MacLean, nataliemaclean.com, March 17, 2014) $22.95
