ROBERT MONDAVI, A NICE PLACE TO VISIT - Mondavi’s Vineyards (4/4/2015)
It was a very nice visit, with two very knowledgeable guides. One in the general tour, and one in the tasting room. The small quick tour was nice, though the group size(s) for most tours at Mondavi are somewhat larger than the comfortable size. Still, workable.
Walking through the facility, tasted the SB 13 and the 12 Merlot. Nice, but nothing special to report about.
Quick Tour Flight
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2013 Robert Mondavi Winery Fumé Blanc - USA, California, Napa Valley
A nice SB tasted during the tour. Good, but not an amazing one. Could be too young, but it was not in a perfect balance point (or close). I’d try it again in a year. In this price range though, no special complaints.
88-89 -
2012 Robert Mondavi Winery Merlot - USA, California, Napa Valley
Nice, but I think that it is not one that shows the best of Mondavi. I left most of the tasting untouched.
BTK Reserve Room
After the tour, we went to the tasting room where we met a different guide (aka- wine educator, in the winery’s language). Very knowledgeable as well, and it turned out that our professional interests line have crossed few times in the past. So, it also led to a nice conversation on wines. We sent him a thank you note as well
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2012 Robert Mondavi Winery Fumé Blanc Reserve To-Kalon Vineyard - USA, California, Napa Valley
Now here is a nicer SB
A notch (or two) above the '13 Fume Mondavi tasted during the tour. Very well balanced, and nice oak notes on the background. Wish I can taste again, as I did not take any detailed notes (concentrated on the cabs there). -
2009 Robert Mondavi Winery Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve - USA, California, Napa Valley
This one is very enjoyable to drink, and imho balanced between the earthy and fruity notes. Berries and floral are well noted on the nose. Hardly any vanilla notes (there is certainly more on the vanilla in the '11). It is already better than the '10 and the '11. Very good cab. Can be drank now, but waiting will reward you alot. I would say 92-93 pts, but also note that my ‘believe’ in the grading system slowly declines, and I become more strict over time. Self note: vote with the wallet and get few. (93 pts.) -
2010 Robert Mondavi Winery Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve - USA, California, Napa Valley
It is at an interesting point. Better than the '11, though the '11 is lighter/more approachable now for my palate. Much ‘bolder’, but it is one that requires some time and a meal to enjoy. Don’t drink on its own. Medium finish (about the same as the '11, shorter than the '09) and will take some time (probably five+ years) to age. Hold on and store. (92 pts.) -
2011 Robert Mondavi Winery Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve - USA, California, Napa Valley
Had it as part of a vertical (09-10-11) during a visit at Mondavi. First things first, the floral (especially for a vintage that is considered a challenge) is very good, and open. Does need some decanting time, even in the glass. I agree with previous notes wrt to the vanilla hint, somewhat surprising though given the ratios of french oak (especially new) to american oak barrels used in the production. More earthy on the palate than the '09 at this time, but not as earthy as the '10, imho. It is built to age, and will age very well. Even more than a decade given proper storage. (91 pts.)
Was always impressed with Mondavi’s aging wines, and the visit did show the aging potential of the '09-'10 and even the '11 (to lower extent, but only time will tell). I hope we’d age as well as some of the wines there ![[cheers.gif]](/uploads/db3686/original/2X/0/0ff9bfcdb0964982cd3240b6159868fbdf215b1a.gif "cheers"){kind=small}
(pictures will follow at some point later this week)
