2022 Rosé of Pinot Noir wins Best in Show at Las Vegas Global Wine Awards
HEALDSBURG, Calif., Oct. 27, 2023 — Rodney Strong Vineyards is pleased to announce that its 2022 Sonoma Coast Rosé of Pinot Noir (SRP $30) won Best Rosé and Best in Show, which is awarded to the best overall wine, at the recent Las Vegas Global Wine Awards.
“In over thirty years of judging wine professionally I’ve never heard of a Rosé winning Sweepstakes-Best of Show at a wine competition, and it was a unanimous vote by all the judges,” said Tim McDonald, Chief Judge for Las Vegas Global Wine Awards.
Crafted from 100% Pinot Noir grapes grown on the Sonoma Coast on the western edge of Sonoma County in California, this typically cooler growing region saw unseasonably warm days in the early part of 2022. These conditions paired with early morning and late evening coastal winds imparted the fruit with beautiful sugars and acidity at the time of harvest.
Rodney Strong Vineyards Senior Vice President of Winemaking & Winegrowing, Justin Seidenfeld, said he has always been inspired by the great French Rosés of Provence. “My goal is to craft something of similar quality and elegance, but from an exceptional site that highlights the bounty of Sonoma County,” he said.
This Rosé vintage is beautifully colored, fresh, and vibrant with aromas and flavors of strawberry, melon and tropical fruits, and a clean finish. Seidenfeld continued, “Our Rosé is an expression of surprise and delight using Pinot Noir grapes from the highly acclaimed Sonoma Coast, and it’s an intentional Rosé. That means the fruit is grown, harvested, and vinified specifically for this wine as opposed to a sagné, which is free run juice from a different wine.”
Other Rodney Strong wines also performed well at the competition. The 2020 Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon, 2021 California Chardonnay and the 2018 Symmetry Red Blend received Platinum awards; and the 2021 Sonoma County Merlot won Best Merlot in Show. In all, the Rodney Strong portfolio took home 10 awards, the spotlight however stood clearly on the accomplishments of the 2022 Sonoma Coast Rosé of Pinot Noir.
McDonald concluded, “the Rodney Strong Rosé of Pinot Noir is a showstopper in every sense and gets my very highest recommendation.”
The Las Vegas Global Wine Awards is a prestigious international wine competition held annually in Las Vegas, Nevada. The competition brings together a panel of esteemed judges and an array of outstanding wines, making it one of the most respected events in the world of wine.
About Rodney Strong Wine Estates
Rodney Strong Wine Estates (RSWE) is a family-owned wine company that includes Rodney Strong Vineyards, Davis Bynum Wines, Knotty Vines, Upshot Wines, and ROWEN Wine Company. RSWE sustainably farms 12 estate vineyards across almost 1,200 acres and produces wines from Sonoma County’s finest appellations. The winery was founded in 1959 by Sonoma County pioneer Rod Strong as the 13th bonded winery in the county. For over 30 years, RSWE has flourished under the leadership of the Klein family, 4th generation California farmers. The Klein family is committed to protecting and preserving the environment in both the vineyards and at the winery through sustainable and innovative practices. RSWE is a family of passionate people committed to crafting premium wines, meaningful experiences, and sustainable leadership in Sonoma County. Learn more at RodneyStrong.com.
