stonehousellc's Full Review: Robert Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 1997
There are a few names that conjure up such reverence and awe as Robert Mondavi. One of the true believers in California wine he was and is at the forefront of almost every great advance in world wide wine production. He is also in business. He has become rich and powerful in the world of corporate agriculture at a time when the family farm has near ceased to exist. A man who at once produces jug wines for the masses while also serving up some of the most refined and polished examples of the winemaker’s craft. How you see Mondavi, the man and the company, may well depend on your politics. Right now we will just focus on his wine.
Mondavi Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the most sought after, reliable, cellar worthy wines produced each year. With the exception of several boutique Cabs, produced in microscopic quantities and sold through waiting lists, there are few wines with such a devoted following, year in and year out. I, myself, have a longstanding love of this wine, along with the Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley Georges de Latour Private Reserve from Beaulieu Vineyards.
I had not tasted this particular vintage until last night. I brought a few select bottles to my temporary home away from home, and this was one of those. I bought this wine entirely on faith, but as another oft-reviled Californian once said – trust but verify. So, with full knowledge that this wine is nowhere near its drinkable day, I waded in with a big block of strong cheese, some French Farmers Bread and some Bosc pears.
To begin with, this wine is still very young. It has yet to turn loose of one ounce of color, presenting the hue of blackberries; impenetrable. The sides of the glass take on a near purple color as the wine swirls, sheeting the walls. The aroma of dark red fruits and berries is near overwhelming. All of the alcohol and wood is still there, too.
In the mouth this is one huge wine. The tannins come close to knocking the wind out of you. It still has the astringent quality of a red with years of bottle life left. That being said, with time to breath, this wine is very pleasant – if you like tasting big, young Cabs. I do. The finish is long but tightly structured, never diminishing so much as wit, until it finally subsides.
From years of past experience with this wine I believe this will be one of the finest Cabs to come out of California from the ’97 vintage. If you want to have something truly incredible for a special occasion in say, 2010, buy one or two bottles now, while its still available and affordable.
Very tight nose, with blackberry, coffee and cocoa notes, this is a big wine that shows great intensity and depth. Quite closed now, the dark profile ...More at JJ Buckley Fine Wines
WA 92 Pts. - As for the 1997 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve, this wine seems more subdued than it did last year and might be going through a relatively cl...More at Napacabs.com
The Wine Advocate rating: 95. Mondavi Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon epitomizes the rich character and soft, approachable tannins of the vintage. With th...More at Wine.com
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