Robert Mondavi Winery

Reserve Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon

9.2208 ratings
9.026 pro ratings
Oakville, Napa Valley, 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
Shay A
9.3

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
Bill Bender

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
Liza Anne Trinidad

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
Kelly Hulme

Oh Oakville. I liked the 09 better, was more approachable - the 10 has a hint of under-ripeness somewhere muddled in the middle of it.

Oh Oakville. I liked the 09 better, was more approachable - the 10 has a hint of under-ripeness somewhere muddled in the middle of it.

1 person found it helpfulNov 16th, 2013
Tom Riley

2009. One of the nice things about not drinking a lot of cabernet sauvignon is that when you do it's often quite a treat. Tonight was no different. A perfect accompaniment to grilled ribeyes. Delicious on its own but it shone with the food. Still almost primary, with tons of great fruit and mouthwatering acid. Fine tannins offering a pleasing grip. The 15% alcohol is well integrated and almost invisible. I wish I had another one of these to try in about five or 10 years. A terrific treat for the end of a long week.

2009. One of the nice things about not drinking a lot of cabernet sauvignon is that when you do it's often quite a treat. Tonight was no different. A perfect accompaniment to grilled ribeyes. Delicious on its own but it shone with the food. Still almost primary, with tons of great fruit and mouthwatering acid. Fine tannins offering a pleasing grip. The 15% alcohol is well integrated and almost invisible. I wish I had another one of these to try in about five or 10 years. A terrific treat for the end of a long week.

Jan 7th, 2017
Greg Gregory

Byob. Drinking very well.

Byob. Drinking very well.

Jan 17th, 2016
Austin Beeman

Very nice and classic Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. Smooth black cherry and ripe tannins. Wouldn't have guessed 15% alcohol. $135

Very nice and classic Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. Smooth black cherry and ripe tannins. Wouldn't have guessed 15% alcohol. $135

Jul 4th, 2015
Robert Love

Blackberry and mocha. Uncharacteristically graceful and tame, yet powerful nose. #NapaCab

Blackberry and mocha. Uncharacteristically graceful and tame, yet powerful nose. #NapaCab

Dec 22nd, 2014
Marcella Newhouse

Writer/Educator enotecaMarcella

8.9

#robertmondavi #cabernetsauvignon #reserve 2009 #tokalon. Lush. Full of texture, red berry, cocoa, briar. Long finish. Not really offering a ton of nuances, which would have earned it a higher 9.

#robertmondavi #cabernetsauvignon #reserve 2009 #tokalon. Lush. Full of texture, red berry, cocoa, briar. Long finish. Not really offering a ton of nuances, which would have earned it a higher 9.

Dec 17th, 2014
Jörgen Lindström Carlvik

Owner, Brix Wine Consultants

9.3

Great wine! Structured and built to age, this infant has terrific fruit, serious density and lively acidity, framed by serious minerality and minty additions. Wonderful "Bdx-copy".

Great wine! Structured and built to age, this infant has terrific fruit, serious density and lively acidity, framed by serious minerality and minty additions. Wonderful "Bdx-copy".

Nov 23rd, 2014