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