TN: 1999 Robert Mondavi Winery Fumé Blanc To-Kalon I Block

WINE TALK
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1999 Robert Mondavi Winery Fumé Blanc To-Kalon I Block - USA, California, Napa Valley (4/17/2023)
The I Block has always reminded me of my Mom, as she was born in 1945, as well as these vines. Picked up four bottles this 99 off WB 7 years ago...and there was a definite color difference in the bottles. Had the first two, which were the darkest, and they were clearly oxed. This bottle has always been the brightest of the four...and I'm happy to say it was a PRISTINE bottle! Brought me back to a great bottle I had in 2016...gorgeous shiny gold with green tinge color...youthful yellow pitted orchard fruits with some tropical candied pineapple, concentrated dried fruits...a wonderful oily and banana wax texture, yet LOADED with lemon tarts and dry extract...crushed rock minerality...white flower and lemongrass exotics...energized with cut! I've had a few Raveneaus at this very same place where we drank this, and I'm telling you...VERY similar! Such a brilliant bottle and experience...just hope I can someday replicate it again...no hope in the last bottle though, as it's darker color makes me cringe. But...you never know? (98 points)

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Posted from CellarTracker

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So awesome buddy! Incredible wine…when you get one of the good ones :wink:

Fingers crossed that the last one surprises you!

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Great fun to read that note, Buzz!

And the photo is testament to the irregularity of cork, isn’t it! You could sell the rights to Diam.

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Really great notes, I have a few from 2014 I believe hiding in the cellar. I’ve always thought these wines were great, and have enjoyed eating a few grapes from the vines once or twice :shushing_face:

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These are the last of the frosted bottle ones…1995(first vintage*), 1996, 1998, 1999, and 2000 Reserve. Doesn’t look to promising my friend! :grimacing:

*well in CT it is. I think 1992 is actual first vintage?

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No. No it does not look ideal, does it. But…crazier things have happened! Fingers crossed my man!

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Went to Mondavi last month for a tasting. Tasted the I-Block. Such great stuff. History in a bottle.

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Buzz,

A souvenir photo for you and your Mom.

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Thanks Warren. Interesting about your photo…my Mom’s initials are SB…and her husband(my stepdad) name is George! :flushed: :heart:

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