The 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander's Crown is a very pretty, nuanced wine. In this vintage, it is much more refined than it has been in the past, which is great to see. Bright floral notes, sweet red-toned fruit and silky tannins give the 2016 an air of classiness that is impossible to miss. If this is the direction these wines are headed in, the future at Rodney Strong is very bright.

Bright in acidity and offering firm tannic structure, this lush wine is gracefully lengthy and powerful in weight. Red fruit, anise, fennel and sage provide a richness of flavor across the palate, with a depth of chocolate and blackberry jam that lingers on the finish.

Medium to deep ruby in color, the 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander's Crown is subdued on the nose, gradually revealing cassis, baked red and black cherries, pencil lead, coffee bean, cedar and dried tobacco-leaf aromas. Medium to full-bodied, it has a good core of chocolaty fruit, grainy tannins and great freshness on the sweet spice-laced finish. This is the best effort from Rodney Strong for this report-the other wines in the lineup are rustic and reduced to varying degrees. 1,229 cases were produced of the Alexander's Crown.

A friendly style, with plum and blackberry puree flavors, lined with cocoa and tobacco notes. The toast is a touch overt through the finish, but this will have fans for its immediacy. Drink now through 2022. 1,229 cases made.