Rodney Strong Rockaway Cabernet Sauvignon Single Vineyard 2005
I first encountered this 100-percent estate-grown gem at the Pebble Beach Food & Wine Festival last month, and was simply blown away by it. The fruit flavor is well-balanced and highly concentrated, accented by milk chocolate and cherry notes. I also picked up a hint of nicoise olives... and, really, it kind of freaks me out that I knew that. I need to get back to my Philly roots more often, I guess. You know, to keep it real. Anyway... made up of 92% cabernet sauvignon and 4% each of malbecand petit verdot, Rockaway was born in the Alexander Valley -- for my money, Sonoma County's finest winemaking region.
The exciting thing about this wine is that for as tasty as it is now, it won't even BEGIN reaching its full potential for another four or five years. So get some and hold onto it, friends. You'll be glad you did.
Price: $80
