While Napa Valley seems to get the lion’s share of tourism attention, there are many exceptional vineyards in Sonoma County that are turning out noteworthy wines. One prime example is Rodney Strong Vineyards, located 60 miles north of San Francisco in Healdsburg. Rodney Strong Vineyards owns and farms many exceptional vineyards in Sonoma County’s premier grape-growing appellations where its critically acclaimed Estate Vineyard Designated and Reserve wines are grown.

According to wine maker Rick Sayre, their approach is to let the grapes from each vineyard and growing region express their intrinsic character in the special wines that they craft. Gentle handling, careful use of barrel and stainless steel fermentation and proper oak aging are guided and monitored to enhance the natural characteristics of the fruit. The result is a collection of superb wines that seem especially suited to summer sipping.

One that is especially nice is the Estate Vineyards 2003 Charlotte’s Home Sauvignon Blanc. Light, crisp, and highly aromatic, the warmer climate fruit of the Alexander Valley gives the wine ripe pear and melon character, while the ocean-cooled fruit from the Russian River offers citrus, mineral, and traditional herbaceous character.

Together, the two valleys make a classic Sonoma County Sauvignon Blanc that is fresh, lively, and will drink beautifully over the next one to two years.

I would also highly recommend the Estate Vineyards 2002 Chalk Hill Chardonnay. This medium to full-bodied chardonnay possess beautiful balance and texture while displaying bright citrus, tropical and green apple flavors and delightful natural acidity. In the glass, the wine is both creamy and crisp, with abundant fruit character, mineral, and toasty oak flavors.

Thanks to the movie "Sideways," California Pinot Noir has attracted a lot of attention, and Rodney Strong Vineyards offers two that are worth trying.

The Estate Vineyards 2002 Russian River Valley Pinot Noir is supple in texture, with rose petal and red fruit aromas. This lively, medium bodied wine is aged in predominantly French oak, which adds a subtle, toasty vanilla character. Ideal for current enjoyment, this pinot noir will hold nicely for the next two to three years.

Rodney Strong’s 2001 Reserve Pinot Noir, Jane’s Vineyard is deep and rich with layers of intense black cherry fruit and mature tannins. Few growing regions can claim the distinctiveness that the Russian River Valley imposes on pinot noir. Hints of cherry, strawberry and spice combine with a soft texture to create a sensual, delicious style of wine.

The vineyard also produces two fine cabernet sauvignons. The 1999 Single Vineyard Alden Vineyards cab offers red raspberry, currant and gardenia aromas and white pepper and cola flavors that suggest the proper compliment of oak aging.

The 2000 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon is full-bodied, with intense flavors of blackberry, cassis and black olive. This is a big wine that you can enjoy now or store successfully for up to ten years.

For something different, there is Symmetry. This tasty blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc imparts generous dark berry flavors and a rich, supple texture.