Robert Mondavi Winery
Reserve Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon
Oakville, Napa Valley, California, USA
At a late peak. Still plenty of dried cherry, pruney, old books.
At a late peak. Still plenty of dried cherry, pruney, old books.
Jul 6th, 2025
This was one of the best 30+yr old Mondavi Reserves I’ve had. In good company with the other old Napa cabs on the table, and while it wasn’t showing as much fruit as the others may have, this was more complex and balanced. Definitely herbal (possibly oregano? Mark mentioned sage too and I agree), but it played nicely with the underripe black cherries, plum and dates. Wonderful acidity and structure.
This was one of the best 30+yr old Mondavi Reserves I’ve had. In good company with the other old Napa cabs on the table, and while it wasn’t showing as much fruit as the others may have, this was more complex and balanced. Definitely herbal (possibly oregano? Mark mentioned sage too and I agree), but it played nicely with the underripe black cherries, plum and dates. Wonderful acidity and structure.
Aug 31st, 2019
Mondavi Reserve is another personal favorite that seems to just wow me no matter the vintage because it ages so gracefully and even the 30 year old wines still have a lot of punch. Like the Insignia it was solid but not spectacular, and that could be the company it was keeping. I think both would have been excellent with dinner and drank with less fanfare. This wine was extraordinarily balanced and silky with a cherry, tobacco and cedar profile. Losing some depth but still showing strong.
Mondavi Reserve is another personal favorite that seems to just wow me no matter the vintage because it ages so gracefully and even the 30 year old wines still have a lot of punch. Like the Insignia it was solid but not spectacular, and that could be the company it was keeping. I think both would have been excellent with dinner and drank with less fanfare. This wine was extraordinarily balanced and silky with a cherry, tobacco and cedar profile. Losing some depth but still showing strong.
May 19th, 2019
Great nose and a special wine for a special celebration
Great nose and a special wine for a special celebration
2 people found it helpfulJul 26th, 2014
James had this 7 years ago
James had this 7 years ago
1 person found it helpfulFeb 7th, 2020
Zachary had this 8 years ago
Zachary had this 8 years ago
1 person found it helpfulMar 8th, 2019
Carl had this 8 years ago
Carl had this 8 years ago
1 person found it helpfulApr 11th, 2018Very bold, yet smooth. Good tannins and finish.
Very bold, yet smooth. Good tannins and finish.
1 person found it helpfulJan 24th, 2018Arturo had this 9 years ago
Arturo had this 9 years ago
1 person found it helpfulJan 21st, 2018
Wow, deep and dark in color. 15% abv almost scared me away. It definitely needs time to breathe but it's the wait. Father's Day at its best, going to go real well with steaks on the grill. The tannins are there but not overwhelming. Dark fruit makes this the big boy I love in Cabernets. Best part is enjoying with my oldest son who just got off of work at a winery
Wow, deep and dark in color. 15% abv almost scared me away. It definitely needs time to breathe but it's the wait. Father's Day at its best, going to go real well with steaks on the grill. The tannins are there but not overwhelming. Dark fruit makes this the big boy I love in Cabernets. Best part is enjoying with my oldest son who just got off of work at a winery
1 person found it helpfulJun 19th, 2017