1983 Robert Mondavi Winery Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve- USA, California, Napa Valley (10/17/2014)
Opened approximately 1 hour prior to serving. Pours a dark, brickish red. The aromas took a bit of time to unlock but once they did, this wine was marvelous. Ripe red cherry fruit leather, cassis, menthol, and leathery baseball glove all emerge. Excellent depth to the bouquet. On the palate it’s got a light, structured mouthfeel yet retains good concentration. The menthol note runs right down the middle of the palate, cleaving fruit leather, plum, and cassis notes. Soft tannins and, surprise, still good acidity work to frame the fruit. The finish is smooth and subtle, more dusty-leather and a hint of peppercorn than fruity. This was drinking beautifully over the course of several hours. (92 pts.)
Not tobacco as much as perhaps cedar/cigar box. Tobacco is distinct for me, sometimes it’s greener like a raw tobacco leaf, other times it’s more that cigar/cured/earthy note.
I would say that cedar, dry tobacco / cigar and summer tomato leaf are pretty consistent in mature Napa Cabernet. I’ve had a couple Brazilian pepper tree notes too which is weirdly specific but is part of the beauty of wine.