Wine Advisor
Robert Mondavi, Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 1995
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Description
Tasting notes
Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.
The 1995 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve is close in quality to the 1994. What is so amazing about these two vintages is that with another 12 months of bottle age, I believe many 1995s will equal their 1994 counterparts - a delectable thought. The 1995 boasts an opaque purple color, great ripeness and richness of fruit, that multi-layered and multi-dimensional character that is so much a characteristic of the 1994, full body, plenty of ripe, sweet tannin, and a long, spicy finish. The 1995 does not yet exhibit the expansiveness and depth of the 1994, but it is certainly a wine that should equal Mondavi's fabulous 1991 and 1990, in addition to surpassing the 1992 and 1993 Reserves. It is another 20-30 year Cabernet Sauvignon that will be delicious young, yet age effortlessly for three decades. Readers can look forward to an immensely impressive group of Cabernet Sauvignons from Mondavi, which is not surprising given what this estate has produced over the last several decades. 1994 is unquestionably a great vintage for North Coast Cabernet Sauvignon. As the opening comments in this article have stated, 1994 stands above 1990, 1991, 1992, and 1993 - all outstanding vintages with no shortage of heroic performances. Remarkably, 1995 may turn out to be as profound as 1994, giving California its two greatest back to back vintages of Cabernet Sauvignon ... ever! (release date, Spring, 1998) Tel. (707) 259-9463 and (800) MONDAVI; Fax (707) 963-1007
Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.
Robert Mondavi's 1995 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve is not far below the quality of the 1994. The 1995 boasts an opaque purple color, great ripeness and richness of fruit, that multi-layered and multi-dimensional character that is so much a characteristic of the 1994, full body, plenty of ripe, sweet tannin, and a long, spicy finish. The 1995 does not yet exhibit the expansiveness and depth of the 1994, but it is certainly a wine that should equal Mondavi's fabulous 1991 and 1990, in addition to surpassing the 1992 and 1993 Reserves. It is another 20-30 year Cabernet Sauvignon that will be delicious young, yet age effortlessly for three decades. (Tasted in barrel.) Tel. (707) 259-9463 and (800) MONDAVI
Reviewed by: Stephen Tanzer
(13.5% alcohol): Full medium red. Sexy aromas of plum, spices, mocha and cedary cigar box, plus a whiff of meat. Plush, rich and sweet, with lovely currant and plum fruit lifted by bright herbs and spices and hint of caraway seed. Finishes with a firm dusting of tannins and noteworthy flavor authority and grip. One of the healthiest and most youthful 1995s in the tasting, offering very good concentration, palate coverage and energy. Finishes impressively ripe and long.
Reviewed by: Stephen Tanzer
Deep, saturated red-ruby. Lively, complex aroma dominated by blackcurrant, licorice and tobacco. Sweet and quite deep but very tightly wrapped. Much more difficult to taste than it was prior to bottling. Finishes with tongue-saturating tannins. Very firmly structured; today, the wine acids and tannins have not yet harmonized. A drier, serious style of cabernet, in need of bottle aging.
Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.
The 1995 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve is slightly less impressive than when I tasted it last year, although still an outstanding wine. I may have caught it at a closed stage following bottling. There are 15,000-20,000 cases of Reserve Cabernet made, and in 1995, a quintessentially elegant style has been produced. The wine is less weighty than the 1994, 1991, or 1990. It has great promise and raw materials, with superb fruit and richness, medium body, and subtle lead pencil notes to go along with black currant, mineral, and pain grille scents and flavors. Based on this tasting, I would lower my overall rating, but it is still an exceptional California Cabernet Sauvignon made in a compellingly elegant, graceful style. Anticipated maturity: 2000-2018. Mondavi is adding a number of new regionally labeled Cabernet Sauvignons to their portfolio. In addition to their Oakville cuvee, they have a Stags Leap District Cabernet, and a single vineyard wine from their famed To-Kalon plantation. Tel. (707) 259-9463 and (800) MONDAVI; Fax (707) 963-1007.
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.
