Winery founder Rodney D. Strong was born in 1927 during Prohibition. Before making wine, he was a professional dancer. Career highlights include dancing with Martha Graham and George Ballanchine at the American School of Ballet, and performing as the lead dancer at the Lido in Paris. While in Paris, he discovered the appreciation for the sensual pleasures of wine and food that are not yet a normal part of American life. Knowing that a career in dancing would only last so long, he decided to pursue wine as his Act Two. This wine is opaque ruby and viscous with notes of burnt wood, tar, underbrush, rubber, read more...cassis, blueberry, hearth, caramelized onions, and pipe smoke. It is rich, with a sweet burst of bright berry fruit and chewy tannins. Tannins give grip and a bit of bite on the finish so age or aerate before serving. This is the kind of wine that is delicious with hearty dishes such as grilled beef tenderloin with this Cabernet as the base of the sauce, braised oxtail with carrots and onions, or a Brie and wild mushroom fondue.    (hide)

The Alexander Valley signature, or terroir, is evident in this delicious cabernet: bold fruit aromas and flavors centered on red plum and boysenberry, and a rich and mouthfilling texture with soft tannins, all of which we've framed in the finest oak barrels for 18 months. Enjoy over the next 3 - 6 years. Rod Strong recognized the Alexander Valley as an ideal place to grow cabernet sauvignon as far back as 1971, when he planted our first cabernet vineyard, the Alexander's Crown. We are especially proud of our estate vineyards, which we farm meticulously, matching grape variety to soil read more...and climate, and selecting our harvest dates with great care.    (hide)

Rating: 3/5 - As reviewed by Decanter. Overtly smoky oak, rich blackberry. Plum pudding, exotic spices, balanced acidity, marked tannins, full bodied, very juicy, yummy. Drink 2009-12.

Rating: Critics Challenge 2006 Gold - As reviewed by Critics Challenge on 05/01/06. Tightly knit with a wave of dark berry, mineral and fine pepper. Jamal Rayyis