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I had a glass at pop and pour to see where this was…the aromatics (roasted/muddled ripe raspberries and black cherries, currant, graphite, herbal spice), front and mid palate (fig, dark cocoa dusted dates, soft ripe red and black fruits) were excellent but the finish really showed it’s 15.5ABV…like a heat seeking missle. After re-corking and coming back to it 5-6hrs later, it had softened and integrated a bit as the finish seemed to dial in the flavors. The acidity was still very nice and while the tannins are softening, it’s got good grip. The alcohol has me wondering how this will hold up in the long term, but it’s drinking now if you can give it a few hours of air.
I had a glass at pop and pour to see where this was…the aromatics (roasted/muddled ripe raspberries and black cherries, currant, graphite, herbal spice), front and mid palate (fig, dark cocoa dusted dates, soft ripe red and black fruits) were excellent but the finish really showed it’s 15.5ABV…like a heat seeking missle. After re-corking and coming back to it 5-6hrs later, it had softened and integrated a bit as the finish seemed to dial in the flavors. The acidity was still very nice and while the tannins are softening, it’s got good grip. The alcohol has me wondering how this will hold up in the long term, but it’s drinking now if you can give it a few hours of air.
With all the fuss about "cult" (I hate the term applied to wine) Napa Cabernets, it is easy to dismiss the old guard - too easy. This Mondavi Reserve is a wine I wish I had in my cellar.
With all the fuss about "cult" (I hate the term applied to wine) Napa Cabernets, it is easy to dismiss the old guard - too easy. This Mondavi Reserve is a wine I wish I had in my cellar.
Napa Valley, California, USA
