On my latest trip to replenish the wine fridge I purchased both a pinot noir and a chardonnay from Rodney Strong Vineyards. For dinner we were serving a roast pork tenderloin and a red onion quinoa salad. Instead of selecting a white to pair with the pork I decided to reach for the pinot. It turned out to be the perfect pairing. Rodney Strong Pinot Noir 2008 from the Russian River Valley in California is a pretty ruby red color that gets progressively lighter towards the outer edges until it’s almost clear. It is produced from pinot noir grapes but there is 2% syrah mixed in. It is aged in 100% french oak barrels giving a more flavorful taste profile to this wine. It has a sweet, strawberry and vanilla aroma and intense cherry and 
strawberry flavors with a hint of cinnamon. This red wine is very well balanced and medium bodied. There are subtle tannins present and a good acidity. Rodney Strong Pinot Noir is almost 14.5% alcohol and is an excellent value at under $20 per bottle. I will definitely be purchasing this wine on a regular basis!
