Robert Mondavi Winery

Private Selection Aged in Bourbon Barrels Monterey County Cabernet Sauvignon

8.91377 ratings
8.412 pro ratings
Monterey County, Central Coast, California, USA
Cabernet Sauvignon
Onion, Shallot, Garlic, Pasta, Venison, Tomato-Based, Potato, Pork, Chocolate & Caramel, White Rice, Mushrooms, Beef, Lamb, Chili & Hot Spicy
Top Notes For
Aaron Meyer

Not sure why it's only rated an 8.8, but I really like it. The Cabernet is bold yet not overly spiced allowing the light flavor added by the bourbon barrels to hit the back of the pallet. Easy to drink.

Not sure why it's only rated an 8.8, but I really like it. The Cabernet is bold yet not overly spiced allowing the light flavor added by the bourbon barrels to hit the back of the pallet. Easy to drink.

15 people found it helpfulApr 20th, 2016
Zachary Price

Yes friends, I fell for the oldest gimmick in the book - a drink fad. I picked up this bottle at my local target, intrigued with a wine aged in used bourbon barrels. Bourbon barrels are made of exclusively American oak that has been charred on the inside which, over time, yields the flavors we all identify with bourbon (caramel, butterscotch, vanilla, baking spices, smoke, etc.). A portion of the vintage is aged for three months in the bourbon barrels and amazingly, likely due to Cabernet Sauvignon's big bold character, the wine holds up and is maybe slightly better for it. Not surprising that the Mondavi label is at the forefront of this trend - the label has been a trend setter since it's maverick namesake starting making wine at his now renowned winery in Napa Valley in 1965. ~$17 | #mondavi #cabernetsauvignon
#bourbonbarrelaged

On the eyes: Deep, dull, opaque almost blood-like garnet, med+ stain, med+ tears. No gas/floc.

On the nose: Blackberry-blueberry jam, toasted oak, hints of caramel and spice. Med alcohol.

On the tongue: med+ tannin, med acid, med+ alcohol, full body, creamy/chewy. Black cherry-blackberry-strawberry jam, brown sugar, vanilla, a bit of butterscotch and toasted oak. Definitely taste the bourbon barrel on the finish. Unique, but not memorably unique.

Yes friends, I fell for the oldest gimmick in the book - a drink fad. I picked up this bottle at my local target, intrigued with a wine aged in used bourbon barrels. Bourbon barrels are made of exclusively American oak that has been charred on the inside which, over time, yields the flavors we all identify with bourbon (caramel, butterscotch, vanilla, baking spices, smoke, etc.). A portion of the vintage is aged for three months in the bourbon barrels and amazingly, likely due to Cabernet Sauvignon's big bold character, the wine holds up and is maybe slightly better for it. Not surprising that the Mondavi label is at the forefront of this trend - the label has been a trend setter since it's maverick namesake starting making wine at his now renowned winery in Napa Valley in 1965. ~$17 | #mondavi #cabernetsauvignon
#bourbonbarrelaged

On the eyes: Deep, dull, opaque almost blood-like garnet, med+ stain, med+ tears. No gas/floc.

On the nose: Blackberry-blueberry jam, toasted oak, hints of caramel and spice. Med alcohol.

On the tongue: med+ tannin, med acid, med+ alcohol, full body, creamy/chewy. Black cherry-blackberry-strawberry jam, brown sugar, vanilla, a bit of butterscotch and toasted oak. Definitely taste the bourbon barrel on the finish. Unique, but not memorably unique.

11 people found it helpfulJul 23rd, 2016
Adam Massimo

For when you want to taste bourbon but do not want to feel like an alcoholic

For when you want to taste bourbon but do not want to feel like an alcoholic

8 people found it helpfulAug 19th, 2016
Geoff Troup

Sales Eder Brothers, Cellar Fine Wines

8.6

A decent value relative to other bourbon barrel wines. Burnt caramel, vanilla, boozyness surrounded by dark fruit.

A decent value relative to other bourbon barrel wines. Burnt caramel, vanilla, boozyness surrounded by dark fruit.

4 people found it helpfulNov 4th, 2017
Sarah Stierch

Food & Wine Editor Sonoma Valley Sun

7.4

Nose is very ripe with heavy fruit. Let it breathe for 20 minutes. Cinnamon, vanilla and newly lit fireplace. 🔥 Taste is full of vanilla, Dr. Pepper and Amarone-style raisin and not in a charming way.

Nose is very ripe with heavy fruit. Let it breathe for 20 minutes. Cinnamon, vanilla and newly lit fireplace. 🔥 Taste is full of vanilla, Dr. Pepper and Amarone-style raisin and not in a charming way.

3 people found it helpfulApr 25th, 2016
Alton Komori

$13.99-2014-usually reasonably priced cabs like this are 2013 or 2012; so for a 2014; WOW! luscious bouquet evoking those whiskey barrels; them medium body, those legs and nice slightly tannic finish; WOW; bought a case after tasting at Fujioka's; then after a bottle with braised Sam Choy boneless short ribs, bought another cast to enjoy and age a little.

$13.99-2014-usually reasonably priced cabs like this are 2013 or 2012; so for a 2014; WOW! luscious bouquet evoking those whiskey barrels; them medium body, those legs and nice slightly tannic finish; WOW; bought a case after tasting at Fujioka's; then after a bottle with braised Sam Choy boneless short ribs, bought another cast to enjoy and age a little.

3 people found it helpfulMar 29th, 2016
Deanna Spain

Very good!

Very good!

2 people found it helpfulMay 18th, 2016
Crossman

One of my new go to favorites. Not expensive, but the bourbon caramel flavor the barrels add to it is great!

One of my new go to favorites. Not expensive, but the bourbon caramel flavor the barrels add to it is great!

2 people found it helpfulApr 23rd, 2016
Matt Sterr

For the Apothic drinker.

For the Apothic drinker.

2 people found it helpfulFeb 22nd, 2016
Randy Boyd

Very good! A slight bite with fruity flavors.

Very good! A slight bite with fruity flavors.

2 people found it helpfulFeb 5th, 2016