2017 Rodney Strong Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon

2017 Rodney Strong Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon

#35-2020

It's sometimes difficult to find a bottle of California Cab as good as this for less than twenty dollars.  But, once again the folks from Rodney Strong have come through with their 2017 Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon.  A good Cab for a Slab, and I am just the man to pair them up!

The nose tickles the fancy with illusions of black and red berries mixed with a handful of cherries.  The flavor is strong on the cherry, with a background of the berries, and a little ripe plum.  There is mellow oak in the finish, which lingers on the palate in anticipation of the next sip.  The alcohol content is 14.5%, and Norm's score is 91.

A bottle of this Cab was the perfect match for our two inch thick New York Strip grilled to a perfect medium rare.  Who says life is tough when you have to stay at home?  All you need is a grill, a Slab, a Cab, and your favorite companion.

score: 91

price: $15 - $19

Wine – God's Proof of His Love for Humanity

2016 Marques de Caceres Rioja Crianza

2016 Marques de Caceres Rioja Crianza

#34-2020

Several decades ago when I was first introduced to Rioja Wines from Spain, I chose the Marques de Caceres Crianza as a sort of go to wine for a variety of  occasions.  The wine pairs just as well with a grilled steak as it does with spaghetti.  It is also terrific with fish chowder or Bouillabaisse.  This Rioja is a blend of, predominately Tempranillo, with a little Garnacha and Graciano.

The 2016 vintage is a beautiful medium red in color, with a bright nose expressing the scent of red raspberries.  The flavor is raspberry and black cherry.  It is a little jammy, with a touch of oak, which enables the finish to sail off into the night  The alcohol content is 13.5%, and Norm's score is 90.

Last night we sampled a bottle of the Marques de Caceres Crinza along with Mojo Chicken with Couscous, and some ripe tomatoes from our garden.  It was an excellent companion for our dinner.

score: 90

price: $11 - $15

Wine – God's Proof of His Love for Humanity