Rodney Strong Vineyards, Sonoma County (California) Cabernet Sauvignon 2016

 There is a long line of excellent wines under this reserve designation.  I’ve had the pleasure of tasting some of them with fifteen years in the bottle and they never disappoint.  This is another winner, and it is priced where you can get a few bottles and observe its evolution over time.  It’s a dark side expression of Cabernet, with blackberry, currants, and violets enticing on the nose and leading to a plush palate that translates the fruit beautifully and adds notes of vanilla, chocolate and gentle dried herbs.  Expertly crafted by Justin Seidenfeld.