Corkscrew Chronicles: Rodney Strong Winery, a Sonoma Valley Icon

Rodney Strong Winery built a reputation as a consistent producer whose wines exhibit classic Sonoma terroir. With a number of quality tiers that allow for anyone to find their flavor and price level, their releases are a fine destination for any wine lover. Strong began as a celebrated dancer, studying with luminaries Martha Graham and George Balanchine at the American school of Ballet. His illustrious career ended in Paris, which sparked his food and wine interest. He set out to become a winemaker, stating, "I knew I couldn't be an old dancer, but I could be an old winemaker." In 1959, Strong and his wife founded the 13th bonded winery in the youthful, expanding Sonoma County wine industry. Strong aggressively set out to learn his craft. With an innate ability to select the best vineyard sites and locations, he converted a vineyard to Chardonnay, the first planting in the renowned Chalk Hill AVA. He planted Pinot Noir in the Russian River Valley in 1968 based on UC Davis climatic data. Strong's excellent decision making enhanced the winery's achievements. Part of the winery's success is based on long-term collaborations. Current winemaker emeritus Rick Sayre started in 1979 after working with some top industry people, staying for 39 years. Justin Seidenfeld, the current head of winemaking, then took over in 2018. In 1989, the Klein family became owners. They continued the quality commitment, installing the wine industry's first large solar panel, earning Sonoma's first carbon neutral certification, becoming a Fish Friendly Farming grape-grower and achieving multiple Green Business awards. With outside vineyard and winemaking consultants, they made small lot wines from selected vineyards. The winery also has the planet's highest number of square stainless steel fermentation tanks, for space and extraction efficiency. Here are some current releases (sale pricing): Charlotte's Home Sauvignon Blanc 2019 (Sonoma) ($11) — Long a personal favorite for its bright, crisp, citrus-touched herbal nuances with ripe, broad fruit notes. 18 percent barrel-fermented (French oak, 10 percent new) and undergoing malo-lactic conversion adding to its texture. A perfect pairing with goat cheeses, seafood, poultry, white sauced pastas and summer salads. Chardonnay 2019 (California) ($12) — 60 percent Barrel-fermented/aged and given lees stirring for texture. A crisp and inviting Chardonnay with bright fruit notes of citrus, lemon, oak and tropical nuances. Perfect for warm-weather sipping and elegant entrées such as grilled seafood, chicken and mellow cheeses. Chalk Hill Chardonnay 2017 ($20) — from the first planting in Chalk Hill's volcanic-ash soils, a barrel-fermented Chardonnay with creamy, toasty oak and vanillin nuances enhanced by lemony-citrus notes. Richly textured, a lovely Chardonnay with richness and spice. Enjoy with seafood, poultry, pork and veal dishes. Rose of Pinot Noir 2020 (Russian River Valley) ($18) — From a dry growing season that gave more light exposure to the fruit and lower yields for concentration. Light salmon hue, hint of spritz, aromas of strawberry and berry with a crisp, lingering, flavorful finish. Enjoy with summer fare, spicy dishes, seafood and charcuterie. Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 ($24) — Rich and complex showing pretty, rich fruit, vanilla, herb, plum and black cherry notes with a firmly tannic structure. Aged 24 months in 50 percent new French oak. A perfect pairing for finer red meats, poultry, mellow cheeses and dark chocolate. Symmetry 2015 (Alexander Valley) ($53) — A red blend from traditional Bordeaux grapes specially selected from parts of five vineyards that shows pretty vanilla and supple, dark red fruit nuances with complex scents and flavors. A concentrated red from yields half normal, perfect to serve with fine red meats, poultry and cheeses and to celebrate life. You owe it to yourself to try Rodney Strong's fine releases. Don't delay your pleasure. Gary Twining is a certified wine educator who worked 34 years in the wholesale fine wine industry. Email him at winingwithtwining@hotmail.com.