Rodney Strong Rockaway Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 750mL

Established in 1994, Rockaway is planted mostly to Cabernet Sauvignon, but has the other four classic Bordeaux varieties planted on-site as well. Rising up to an elevation of 750 feet, the land generally slopes northeast and southwest, with soils comprised of gravelly clay subsoil over fractured greywacke sandstone. This well-drained, low pH earth tends to encourage the production of small-berried clusters, ideal for making a bold, concentrated Cabernet Sauvignon with juicy red and black fruit character, and an elegantly round and seductive mid-palate.

Tasting Notes:

The Rockaway Cabernet Sauvignon possesses powerful and slightly tannic with concentrated flavors of blackberry, currant and a hint of toast with a rich, full body, complex structure and a lingering elegant finish.

94 Points - Wine Spectator, October 2015. "A remarkable wine that exhibits powerful flavors of ripe currant, blackberry and cherry along with pleasing notes of cedary cigar box, dried herb, green olive and tea. Ends with firm, dusty tannins and fine length. Drink now through 2028."

94 Points - Gismondi on Wine, March 2016. "In a typical year in the middle of the valley, Rockaway vineyard, with average temperatures of 62 degrees, balances heat and Pacific Ocean cooling breezes – allowing for classic structure development. In 2012, a near perfect vintage, saw all four cabernet blocks used in this wine picked on October 20, the malbec came in 10 days earlier. Rockaway was first planted in 1994 to mostly to cabernet sauvignon and merlot, but includes all five of the classic Bordeaux varieties that rise in elevation up to 750 feet. The blend is 96/4 cabernet sauvignon /malbec and the result is a delicious ripe mountain wine with power and finesse. Dried herbs and cassis dominate the nose with red cherries and plums on the palate and a long earthy mineral fresh (fine acidity) finish. No rush here, you can wait a decade or more."