Rodney Strong Merlot 2018

Drink now or cellar for up to 6 years. No need to decant before serving. Rodney Strong enjoyed a successful career as a famous dancer before giving it all up to go and make wine in Sonoma County. Rodney started his winery in 1959 and played a key role in establishing the Chalk Hill, Russian River Valley and Alexander Valley appellations as serious winemaking regions. In 1989 the Klein family took over the estate which remains in their family to this day, modernising the winemaking facilities and introducing sustainable agricultural practices to protect the land for future generations. The focus is very much on artisanal winemaking with fruit sourced from top estate-owned vineyards in Sonoma County. Crafted with grapes from three vineyards in the Alexander Valley, this punchy Merlot boasts ripe plum, blueberry and cassis aromas along with undertones of dried herbs, toasty oak and baking spice. On the palate there’s a soft, rich texture with intense notes of dark berries which linger long on the tongue. Powerful and complex yet easy to drink, this is a great wine to share with family and friends at casual gatherings or to pair with dishes like tomato-based pastas, pizzas, charcuterie or even Spanish-style tapas dishes and paella.

Price: £23.44 from 8wines UK