Rodney Strong Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon (75cl, 14.5%)

A Sonoma County red wine blending 90% Cabernet Sauvignon with Malbec and Merlot, bottled at 14.5% ABV in a 750ml bottle. Rodney Strong Vineyards planted the first Cabernet vineyard in Alexander Valley in 1971. The wine is aged for 18 months in French oak barrels, half new. The nose shows black plum, crushed raspberry, cassis, bitter cocoa, black pepper, candied violets and sweet herbs. The palate is lush and fruit-forward, with dark berry, dried fig, cherry liqueur, caramel and chewy tannins. The finish is medium-long, with cocoa, blackberry and dark coffee.