RODNEY STRONG SAUVIGNON BLANC ALEXANDER VALLEY 2023

TASTING NOTES

Appearance: Brilliant pale gold with luminous green highlights and exceptional clarity.

Nose: Complex and expressive aromatics featuring ripe citrus (Meyer lemon, mandarin), stone fruit (white peach, nectarine), and subtle tropical notes (guava, passion fruit). Secondary aromas reveal layers of white flowers, fresh herbs (thyme, lemongrass), and a distinctive mineral character reflective of Alexander Valley's terroir.

Palate: Medium-bodied with impressive textural depth balanced by vibrant acidity. The entry presents concentrated flavors of yellow citrus and ripe stone fruits complemented by tropical nuances. The mid-palate shows remarkable complexity with layers of flavor evolving across the tasting experience—herbal notes (fresh basil, subtle fennel) integrate with a rich mouthfeel enhanced by thoughtful winemaking techniques. The texture shows a sophisticated creaminess balanced by structural acidity that frames the wine beautifully.

Finish: Long and nuanced with persistent fruit notes gradually giving way to mineral and subtle spice elements. The finish maintains impressive length with a refreshing quality that invites another sip while offering enough complexity to reward contemplation.

TECHNICAL INFORMATION

Producer: Rodney Strong Vineyards
Region: Alexander Valley, Sonoma County, California
Varietal: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
Vintage: 2023
Alcohol: 13.8% ABV
Fermentation: 75% stainless steel, 25% neutral French oak
Aging: 4 months with partial lees contact
Production: Estate vineyard selection
Closure: Screw cap

VINEYARD & WINEMAKING NOTES

The 2023 Rodney Strong Alexander Valley Sauvignon Blanc showcases fruit exclusively from the winery's estate vineyards in Alexander Valley, a distinctive Sonoma County appellation renowned for its warm days, cool nights, and diverse soils. The vineyard sites feature well-drained, gravelly loam soils along the Russian River that impart mineral complexity and depth to the resulting wine.

The 2023 growing season in Alexander Valley began with beneficial winter rains that helped restore water tables after several drought years. Spring brought even budbreak and flowering, followed by a classic warm but not excessively hot summer with cooling afternoon breezes channeled through the valley. These ideal conditions allowed for extended hang time, optimal phenolic development, and excellent flavor concentration while maintaining crucial acidity.

Harvested in the cool early morning hours to preserve freshness, the fruit was whole-cluster pressed and cold-settled before fermentation. The majority (75%) fermented in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks to preserve varietal character and aromatic expression, while 25% fermented in neutral French oak barrels to enhance textural complexity and mouthfeel.

Post-fermentation, a portion of the wine remained in contact with fine lees for 4 months with periodic gentle stirring, developing additional complexity while maintaining the wine's distinctive Alexander Valley character and vibrant fruit expression.

FOOD PAIRING SUGGESTIONS

• Grilled sea bass with citrus and herbs
• Dungeness crab with drawn butter
• Roasted free-range chicken with herb butter
• Fresh goat cheese with honey and figs
• Lemon risotto with spring vegetables
• Herb-crusted pork tenderloin
• Summer vegetable terrine
• Creamy cheeses like triple-cream brie or Camembert

ABOUT RODNEY STRONG VINEYARDS IN ALEXANDER VALLEY

Rodney Strong was among the first to recognize Alexander Valley's potential for world-class wines, establishing vineyards in the region in the early 1970s when the area was still largely unknown. Today, Alexander Valley is recognized as one of Sonoma County's premier growing regions, particularly for Bordeaux varieties including Sauvignon Blanc.

The winery's Alexander Valley estate vineyards benefit from the appellation's unique geography—a relatively warm region cooled by afternoon breezes and evening fog that funnel through the Russian River corridor. This climate pattern, combined with well-drained alluvial soils, creates ideal conditions for growing Sauvignon Blanc with remarkable depth and complexity while maintaining essential freshness.

Under the guidance of Director of Winemaking Justin Seidenfeld and Winemaker Greg Morthole, Rodney Strong's Alexander Valley Sauvignon Blanc program emphasizes site-specific expression and thoughtful winemaking techniques that highlight the distinctive character of this appellation. The wine represents part of the winery's commitment to showcasing Sonoma County's diverse terroirs through appellation-specific bottlings.

The winery's sustainability practices include water conservation, solar power, carbon neutral operations, and certified sustainable farming methods throughout their estate vineyards, reflecting a holistic approach to environmental stewardship that has positioned Rodney Strong as a leader in responsible winemaking.

FASCINATING INSIGHTS ABOUT THE WINE

• Alexander Valley Sauvignon Blanc displays a distinctive character that differs from other Sonoma County appellations—typically showing more richness and stone fruit character compared to the more citrus-driven styles from cooler regions like Russian River Valley.
• While many California producers have embraced either the intensely herbaceous New Zealand style or the heavily oaked approach, Rodney Strong's Alexander Valley expression represents a balanced middle path that emphasizes both varietal character and regional identity.
• The partial neutral oak fermentation provides textural complexity without overwhelming the wine with oak flavors—a technique inspired by the sophisticated white wines of Bordeaux but adapted to California's riper fruit expression.
• Alexander Valley's geological history as an ancient riverbed contributes to its distinctive mineral-rich soils that impart subtle complexity to the wines grown there.
• Rodney Strong's decades of experience in Alexander Valley have allowed them to identify the specific vineyard blocks that consistently produce exceptional Sauvignon Blanc, with ongoing refinements to clonal selection and farming practices to enhance quality further.
• The 2023 vintage represents a particularly balanced year, benefiting from restored water tables after drought conditions and moderate temperatures that allowed for extended hang time—ideal conditions for developing flavor complexity while maintaining freshness.
• The winery's sustainable practices include precision viticulture that optimizes water usage and minimizes inputs, particularly important for maintaining the delicate balance necessary for premium Sauvignon Blanc production.