Lot #52 Rodney Strong Vineyards

“Knights Delight” highlights fruit for this very special barrel lot coming from the Knights Valley American Viticultural Area. The 2022 vintage in Sonoma County was superb for Bordeaux varietals. After early summer heatwaves that led to strong canopy development, they enjoyed consistent, dry weather with perfect 85-90 degree temperatures throughout the fruit maturation period. These two low yielding vineyards provide limited, highly allocated grapes each year. The ideal growing conditions of the 2022 vintage provided just a little extra bounty to give their winemaker some room to play. While still within the bounds of a classic Cabernet Sauvignon dominant Bordeaux-style blend, this wine results from a slightly atypical choice of sites and minimalist blending philosophy – marrying the beauty (cool climate Cooley Ranch Malbec) with the beast (warm climate Bavarian Lion Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon).

This is both a vintner’s wine, emphasizing the art of the blend, and a vigneron’s wine, offering an expression of two distinctly different terroirs within Sonoma County. Optical sorting of the grapes upon receival ensures purity of fruit character, and extended thermal maceration caramelizes the tannins for a well-structured yet velvety soft mouthfeel.

Expect cassis with briary blackberry and blue fruit, supported by complex undertones of sassafras, cherry cola, and rich milk chocolate. Subtle vanilla and baking spice notes with fine grained tannins derive from aging in new French Oak barrels. The wine has ample structure for aging 10-15 years, but the juicy, plush Malbec component brings youthful approachability, particularly with a recommended one or two hour decant.

WINEMAKER(S): Justin Seidenfeld, Olivia Wright

ESTIMATED BOTTLING DATE: December 2024
ESTIMATED SHIPPING DATE: May 2025

National Distribution: Includes all 50 states and Washington, DC

International Distribution: Includes Japan, Korea, Norway; please inquire for additional countries.

A winemaker dinner or store visit is offered in your market as part of this lot. Must be scheduled on a mutually agreeable date.