Throwing strikes on the hill

Stryker Sonoma sits on a little hill with a broad view of the Alexander Valley. We recently visited with Jen Berman on the winemaking team and the Bordeaux varietals were top-notch. I thoroughly enjoyed the chocolaty Merlot and the supple and vanilla spiced Petit. As I’ve written before, Petit can have tannins that are tough to tame but this is ready to drink.

The full-on fruit, ripeness and silky texture can make one wary of aging California reds yet there can be success. Last night at dinner our friends shared with us the 03 Reserve Cabernet. It was supple-city, just like the newer wines tasted with Jen. And the fruit was carrying on as if just put in the bottle.

Sonoma County Reserve Merlot 2004

Knights Valley Speedy Creek Vineyard Petit Verdot 2005

Sonoma County Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2003

About RJ

Ray Johnson is the Executive Director of the Wine Business Institute at Sonoma State University. He writes about food and wine, his travels and the business of wine. He makes his home in Sonoma County, California.
This entry was posted in Alexander Valley, Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Sonoma County. Bookmark the permalink.

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