2016 · Merlot

Rodney Strong is a family-owned Sonoma County winery, led by the Klein family since 1989, with roots going back to founder Rodney Strong in 1959. A longtime Sonoma pioneer, it farms estate vineyards across key appellations including Russian River Valley, Knights Valley, and Alexander Valley, with a strong focus on matching varieties to site and expressing terroir. Sustainability is central to the estate: all vineyard acreage is certified sustainable, the winery is carbon neutral, and its practices include solar power, water conservation, soil stewardship, and Fish Friendly Farming certification. Under Justin Seidenfeld and Greg Morthole, Reserve wines are made in an Artisan winery using meticulous small-lot techniques such as berry sorting, cold soaking, extended maceration, and free-run only protocols.