At this time we have a look at a trio of wines from Sonoma’s Rodney Sturdy — all a part of its Reserve line. (You’ll acknowledge them by the black labels embossed with gold script.)
2021 Rodney Sturdy Reserve Russian River Valley Pinot Noir – Hearty and wealthy, with daring notes of black cherry, cola, and black tea, it’s a strong wine that’s balanced by its suppleness, nearly an iconic instance of the perfect of what the Russian River produces. Whereas notes of chocolate and hazelnut emerge late within the recreation, the wine stays tart and refreshing, by no means devolving into the overly savory, meaty expertise that so many Russian River pinots appear to be experiencing nowadays. With touches of blackberry and a whiff of blended florals on the end, it’s pretty by itself however a killer when paired with the precise meal. A / $60
2018 Rodney Sturdy Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon – Six years outdated, however nonetheless ingesting with an effusive youthfulness: Loads of tannin and graphite are on faucet to mood a core of blackberries and plums, the entire affair laced with chocolate-covered cherries and hinting at oak-dusted vanilla on the end. The tarry tannins nevertheless stay thick all through, and the wine continues to be nowhere close to able to drink; one other 5 years would in all probability be applicable for laying this one down earlier than having fun with. Decant nicely, or name me in 2029. B+ / $60
2021 Rodney Sturdy Reserve Russian River Valley Chardonnay – A classically styled California chardonnay, wealthy with buttery oak, vanilla, and a kick of guava. A sharper and frivolously acidic lemon curd be aware is current however moderated by the unctuous physique, maintaining its vanilla in focus together with some delicate notes of cashew and walnut rising because the wine will get some heat to it. There’s only a contact of peppery and grassy greenery on the end; perhaps this might stand one other 12 months or two in cellar earlier than ingesting? B+ / $48
2018 Rodney Sturdy Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
$60
