Rodney Strong, Estate Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, California, USA 2016

Rodney Strong was one of the first to see the potential for Pinot Noir in the Russian River Valley, planting there in 1968. This is a classic example from the AVA: big, rich and creamy on the palate, with lashings of ripe cherry and tangy pomegranate, sweet vanilla hints and toasty oak spice from the 14 months in small French oak barrels. Great drinking now while the dense fruit and acidity is still fresh.