Wine Advisor
Robert Mondavi, Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 1987
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Description
Tasting notes
Reviewed by: Neal Martin
Tasted at the Robert Mondavi Cabernet Reserve vertical. This has a wonderful lifted minty nose that actually reminds me of a great Mouton-Rothschild. Sublime definition and purity with scents of blackberry, black plum and just a touch of prune. Very intense and beautifully defined. The palate is medium-bodied, very svelte and supple, beautiful balance and poise, notes of blackberry, cedar, black plum and just a touch of iodine. Elegant finish. Superb. Tasted June 2009.
Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.
The celestial 1987 Reserve will require a great deal of patience. Black/ruby in color, with an intense but unevolved bouquet of super-ripe cassis, enhanced by scents of mint and toasty new oak, this exceptionally concentrated, full-bodied wine behaves as if it wants to be a 1986 Mouton-Rothschild. It is a dazzling wine that the Mondavis, justifiably, feel is the greatest Cabernet Sauvignon they have ever made. It should certainly prove to be uncommonly long-lived. The embossed, engraved, colorful label and monster-sized cork are also special. This is a sensational and profound winemaking effort. Anticipated maturity: 1996-2015. Mondavi is a Cabernet Sauvignon specialist. While the quality of the Reserve Cabernets between 1975-1985 was not what it should have been (excessive acidification and sterile filtration eviscerated all of the wines except the 1978), the quality is now irrefutably grand.
Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.
Last Tasted 2/93 This extraordinary wine is backward and unevolved, but even neophytes will recognize its potential greatness. The opaque, saturated, dark purple color reveals no sign of age. The huge, smoky, oaky, blackcurrant, herb, and vanillin-scented nose only hints at what will be achieved with further evolution. Sweet, decadently rich, dense, highly extracted flavors are wrapped around a full-bodied, chewy, super-concentrated, moderately tannic wine that, ideally, needs 7-8 more years of cellaring. It is a 25 to 30 year California Cabernet Sauvignon that is just beginning to become civilized. A potential legend in the making!
About the Producer
Robert Mondavi Winery is located in the renowned Oakville AVA (American Viticultural Area) within the Napa Valley region of California. The winery is situated on the historic To Kalon Vineyard, which has been recognized as one of the finest vineyards in the world. The name "To Kalon" translates to "the beautiful" in Greek, reflecting the exceptional quality of the grapes grown there. Robert Mondavi was a pioneer in the California wine industry and played a significant role in elevating the reputation of Napa Valley wines on a global scale. He believed in the potential of the region to produce wines that could rival those from renowned wine regions around the world. With his vision and passion, he dedicated himself to crafting wines that showcased the unique terroir of Napa Valley. The winery focuses on producing premium wines, with a particular emphasis on Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc. The Cabernet Sauvignon wines from Robert Mondavi Winery are highly regarded for their depth, complexity, and ability to age gracefully. The Fume Blanc, made from Sauvignon Blanc grapes, is an iconic wine that exhibits vibrant fruit flavors and a distinctively crisp character. In addition to their flagship wines, Robert Mondavi Winery offers a range of varietals and blends, including Chardonnay, Merlot, Pinot Noir, and Bordeaux-style red blends. The winemaking team at Robert Mondavi Winery combines traditional winemaking techniques with modern innovations to create wines that express the essence of the vineyard and reflect the vision set forth by Robert Mondavi. Beyond winemaking, the winery also offers educational tours, tastings, and events to provide visitors with an immersive experience in the world of wine. The beautiful estate features stunning architecture, expansive vineyards, and a commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship. Robert Mondavi Winery continues to be a symbol of excellence in the Napa Valley, upholding the legacy of its founder and producing wines that exemplify the region's exceptional quality and craftsmanship.
