Wine-o: Rodney Strong Pinot Noir

Rodney Strong 2009 Russian River Valley Pinot Noir, Healdsburg, CA
Alcohol: 14.5%

I am wary of Pinot Noir, I find them fickle.  Some taste amazingly wonderful, others are simple, bland, dark, and boring.  I find it doesn't matter how much money you spend, you just are taking a chance.  This Pinot Noir I enjoyed a lot.  It reminded me of a Californian Cabernet Sauvignon in that it was very fruity in taste.  I was surprised by how clear the wine was in the glass.  A beautiful ruby color.

From the vineyard:

For the third year in a row, the 2009 vintage started off with a dry spring, which typically produces smaller clusters, smaller berries, and less canopy overall. Spring was mild enough to ward off frost this year, and vines affected from the previous year seemed to rebound. The main growing season was cool to warm and without incident. Picking commenced at the beginning of September, and all of our pinot noir was harvested by September 23rd.Supple in texture, with rose petal and red fruit aromas, this lively, medium bodied wine is aged entirely in small French oak barrels, which adds a subtle, toasty vanilla character and a hint of spice. Ideal for current enjoyment, this pinot noir will hold nicely over the next 2 to 4 years.

Freya Score: 72
Mona Value: 6