1998 Robert Mondavi Winery Robert Mondavi Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Unfiltered
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Tasting notes
84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Cabernet Franc, 4% Merlot, 1% Petit Verdot. 70% Oakville (40% To Kalon), 15% Stag’s Leap, 10% Carneros, 5% west Napa. A challenging vintage with lots of rain, frost in the spring, cold weather at bloom, and heat spells during the growing season. Overall yields were down partially due to sunburned fruit across the valley. The combination of weather led to small, loose clusters. Throughout the valley smart farming and good sorting were essential to produce quality wine. Fermented in stainless steel with 37 days' extended skin contact. Malolactic and ageing done in French oak with 85% new for 15 months ageing. Nice energy and drive, though not as much as the 1999. A bit softer on the finish than the 1999. Notes of gun metal, blackberry and truffle with a spiced nose and a fresh crack of dark chocolate on the palate. Right in the balance point currently of still carrying fresh fruit elements mixed with aged qualities. Impressive aromatic complexity with beautiful mid palate weight and nice length. This wine is elegant and still has lots to give. It will likely continue to evolve well for a long time. (ECB)
Critic scores
Robert Parker
Robert Parker
More reviews and scores
A bordeaux-styled wine with very severe dry tannins, tight flavours and a certain ungenerous tartness. (JR)
The 1998 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve is evolved. A plum/ruby color is followed by aromas of toasty oak, tobacco, black currants, smoke, and spice box. In the mouth, it is medium-bodied, with excellent fruit on the attack, some real charm and roundness, but the finish is filled with astringent tannin. If this wine continues to hold its fruit, it is going to be a Bordeaux-styled, medium-weight Cabernet Sauvignon to drink over the next 12-14 years. However, the tannin will need to be monitored because this particular wine could possibly dry out. Tel. (707) 226-1395 and (800) MONDAVI; fax (707) 251-4386.
The 1998 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve is evolved. A plum/ruby color is followed by aromas of toasty oak, tobacco, black currants, smoke, and spice box. In the mouth, it is medium-bodied, with excellent fruit on the attack, some real charm and roundness, but the finish is filled with astringent tannin. If this wine continues to hold its fruit, it is going to be a Bordeaux-styled, medium-weight Cabernet Sauvignon to drink over the next 12-14 years. However, the tannin will need to be monitored because this particular wine could possibly dry out. ||Tel. (707) 226-1395 and (800) MONDAVI; fax (707) 251-4386. Wine Advocate.December, 2000
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.