1978 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve
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Tasting notes
An exciting and extremely rare wine to taste, as the To Kalon plot of Cabernet Sauvignon that went into this became Opus One just 12 months later for their inaugural 1979 vintage. The quality of this plot of land is clear to see even at 46 years old, and it was as exciting to share this wine as we had hoped it would be. Dried cranberry, smoked earth, cold ash, white pepper, still so charming, finessed and poised. A landmark wine, fully in its drinking window, made under the direction of Robert Mondavi and his team.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
Probably To Kalon vineyard fruit. This was the immediate precursor to Opus One, and we used to have it on the list at Nick’s London restaurant L’Escargot in the 1980s. Minty and again slightly dusty but still vigorous. Then rich fruit with a hint of dustiness and eventually there was a hint of acidity coming through – but pretty damn good. (JR)
Still showing great, although it was from a double magnum, which needs to be taken into account, the wine is full bodied, concentrated, lively and loaded with cherries, cranberry, tobacco leaf, peppery spice and leafy notes. Soft, bright and charming, the red fruits linger on your palate. At 41 years of age, there is no reason to hold off from popping a cork here. 94 Points
92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cabernet Franc, 3% Merlot. Primarily from To Kalon with some other Napa Valley vineyards as well. Ample rains in the winter prior to the 1978 vintage (after a two-year drought) helped overall vine health. A mild spring was followed by a June heatwave that did cause some yield loss. A relatively warm, short harvest. Fermented at 88 °F (31 ºC) with 10 additional days on skins. Fermented in stainless steel. After malolactic fermentation it was aged in French oak barrels for 25 months. 87% new, light-toast barrels. This is the first vintage tasted that includes Merlot. An earthy nose includes notes of coffee and toast followed by a leathery palate of dried red cherry, gun metal and creamy mint. The wine opens with additional time in the glass but is more blunt on the palate than many of the other vintages. Grittier tannins with abundant, persistent acidity carry into a long finish. (ECB)
About the producer
Robert Mondavi is a name known the world over. The ambitious businessman created his eponymous winery in 1966 to produce world-class wines in Napa, pioneering quality winemaking and becoming a champion for the region.