Rodney Strong Vineyards, Alexander Valley (Sonoma County, California) Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

 For a time in the 1970s, California wineries were big on emphasizing estate bottling – a nod to their Bordeaux mentors – then gradually vineyard-designation wines became the new fashion of the 1980s.  Rodney Strong – the man and the winery – was early on the scene with Alexander’s Crown, the first in that valley to have a place designation.  I can’t say the wine has improved under newer owners, but it maintains its strong standing among Alexander Valley Cabernets.  The 2018 is a very enjoyable one, and, as with most reds from the Valley, it is not at all overpowering, with a good blending of black fruits and mellow oak, some savory notes of garrigue and lip-smacking tannins.