The Knights Valley AVA is a narrow valley nestled between southern Sonoma and northern Napa counties. The rich volcanic soil, warm days and cool breezes from the Pacific Ocean make this relatively small area, with only 2,000 acres of vines planted, an ideal place for growing luscious cabernet grapes.
Beringer has long been king of Knights Valley cabernet. They have been making wine there since 1974. Their cabernet has been consistently stellar year after year. The $30 price tag is grossly misleading as this bottle punches way above its price point.
The opportunity arose for me to sample the 2022 Rodney Strong Knights Valley cabernet. Taking a second sip was the first thing that came to mind. I immediately thought it would be fun – yes wine is supposed to be fun – to do a side-by-side tasting of these two cabernet contenders. Certainly no disrespect to either wine as both are pretty special pours.
I grabbed a 2022 bottle of each and headed down to Canton to see my pal TJ Sliman at Meyers Lake Beverage. It was time to take off the gloves and get ready for this 2 p.m. flurry of cabernet counterpunches. Sliman’s cousin Stephen was there as well. Doesn’t every title fight have three judges?
Beringer tipped the scales at $29.99 while Rodney Strong weighed in at $23.99. Through the course of two plus hours, it was like a classic Ali vs Frazier bout. Certainly an enjoyable event. Rodney Strong came out swinging with lots of mouthwatering elderberry and black raspberry flavors. Certainly a wow moment for me. Both wines paired nicely with a hunk of Cypress Grove Midnight Moon aged goat cheese, a new cheese that just arrived at Heinen’s in Hudson. The Michael D’s sausage and pepperoni pizza from around the corner was a knockout. Well worth the drive from Cuyahoga Falls to Meyers Lake to have a slice of this pie.
About an hour into the bout, Beringer landed a flurry of flavors that only a Knights Valley cabernet can deliver. Black currant notes with a silky, elegant finish.
Some time after 4 p.m., the scorecards were tallied. Sliman and I gave the edge to Rodney Strong. It was simply too irresistible at $7 less a bottle. Stephen had Beringer winning on his scorecard. We all were impressed with the Beringer cabernet after it had an hour or so to open up.
Pick up a couple of bottles and do your own tale of the tape. Sliman was certainly up for a rematch as he ordered two cases of each wine for his store. Both of these wonderful cabs can also be found at the Market District in Cuyahoga Falls and Green as well as Heinen’s in Brecksville and Acme in Montrose. I suggest a quick visit to your favorite meat counter to pick out a juicy cut of steak.
You can find the Rodney Strong Knights Valley cabernet at Krieger’s Market in Cuyahoga Falls; Heinen’s in Hudson, Brecksville, Chardon and Rocky River; Acme in Medina, Wadsworth and Whipple Road near Canton; and Giant Eagle in Wadsworth, Strongsville and Streetsboro.
Poolside wine tasting
Beau’s Veranda, at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Fairlawn, is hosting a poolside wine tasting from 6 to 9 p.m. Aug. 28. Join Chef Beau and me and sample several refreshing sparkling and rosé wines along with a crisp white and cool cabernet. Enjoy artisanal cheese boards, charcuterie and seasonal small bites crafted to complement the wines. Tickets are $45. Reserve tickets by calling 330-867-5218.
You can reach Phil Masturzo at philyourglass@gmail.com and follow him on Instagram @pmasturzo_philyourglass
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: In a battle of 2 cabernets from California’s Knights Valley, who wins? | Phil Your Glass
Reporting by Phil Masturzo / Akron Beacon Journal
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