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Norm’s Tasting Notes: 2021 Rodney Strong Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

By Norm Bentley 1 min read
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Norm Bentley, The North Georgia Wine Advisor. PHOTO PROVIDED

The North Georgia Wine Advisor

normwine@bellsouth.net

normwine@charter.net

2021 Rodney Strong Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

#15-2024

Quite some time back, I learned that you could usually count on Pinot Noir from Sonoma County’s Russian River Valley to be dependably good. The 2021 selection from Rodney Strong fits the bill. This is a classy Pinot Noir for a fairly mundane price.

The scent waifs across the room as you uncork the bottle, a harbinger of good things to come. The initial flavor is cherry, backed up by dark plum. The nuances in the background are a bit of earthy spice and a mellow toasty oak for the finish. The alcohol content is 14.5% and Norm’s score is 89.

I usually recommend Pinot Noir for Prime Rib, or Grilled Salmon, however. I would suggest you pair this one with Lamb Osso Buco for a real treat!

Score: 89

Price: $17-$21

To reach Norm Bentley, please email