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WS: 87
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WA: 85
Robert Mondavi Winery Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 1989
External Review by Premier Wine & Spirits:
The 1994 Reserve is an exquisite wine. The deep opaque purple color, and tightly wound nose and flavors still reveal enough profound aromas to mark this as one of Mondavi's most sensational efforts. The nose possesses a Margaux/Mouton-like cassis, lead pencil, floral aroma, backed up by copious quantities of blackcurrant fruit. In the mouth, my notes said, "great stuff." The wine is full-bodied, layered, multidimensional and astonishingly well balanced, with an inner-depth and core of exceptional richness and intensity. All of this has been accomplished without any notion of obtrusive weight, tannin or alcohol. The finish lasts for 35+ seconds. Because of its luxurious quantity of fruit, this wine will be accessible young. However, for those who possess the discipline to wait 10-15 years, this wine should prove to be a formidable Cab with a rare complexity, elegance and richness.
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Robert Mondavi Winery:
External Reviews for Robert Mondavi Winery Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley
The 1994 Reserve is an exquisite wine. The deep opaque purple color, and tightly wound nose and flavors still reveal enough profound aromas to mark this as one of Mondavi's most sensational efforts. The nose possesses a Margaux/Mouton-like cassis, lead pencil, floral aroma, backed up by copious quantities of blackcurrant fruit. In the mouth, my notes said, "great stuff." The wine is full-bodied, layered, multidimensional and astonishingly well balanced, with an inner-depth and core of exceptional richness and intensity. All of this has been accomplished without any notion of obtrusive weight, tannin or alcohol. The finish lasts for 35+ seconds. Because of its luxurious quantity of fruit, this wine will be accessible young. However, for those who possess the discipline to wait 10-15 years, this wine should prove to be a formidable Cab with a rare complexity, elegance and richness.
This sample was a knockout at the blind tasting of 1987 Cabernet barrel samples. This is undoubtedly the finest Reserve since the 1974, perhaps even the 1970. The wine shows great richness, a fabulous nose of smoky oak and jammy blackcurrants. The flavors in the mouth are terrific as this wine has astounding depth, a hedonistic level of fruit, and a tremendous finish. This is the kind of wine that California can produce and is capable of winning the hearts and souls of the masses. Anticipated maturity: 1991-2004.
Soft and succulent blackberry and cassis fruit upfront, framed by squeaky clean tannins and solid oak elements. This is most notable for its voluptuous, velvety texture, which coats the palate with sweet flavors. It's not a big wine but a balanced, harmonious one, and a success for the vintage.
Dense and compact, with a tightly wound, rich core of earthy currant, cedar, spice and cherry flavors, finishing with chewy tannins. Great length, but will need to age at least until 1998.
If you missed out on Robert Mondavi's 1991 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve, try to find a few bottles of the sumptuously rich, decadent, showy 1992 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve that is about to be released. It is a sweeter, riper, more unctuously-styled Cabernet. While it may lack some of the classicism of the 1991 Reserve, it is s super-rich, full-bodied, flamboyant, unctuously-textured wine that should drink well for 20+ years.
Mondavi has also turned in a very strong effort in the good, but generally unexciting 1988 Cabernet Sauvignon vintage. In contrast to his compelling 1987 Reserve, the 1988 is much softer, and not nearly as concentrated. It is ideal for drinking over the next 7-10 years. It has a gorgeously smoky, cassis, and vanillin-scented bouquet, ripe, round, generously endowed flavors, soft acids, and moderate tannins in its smooth as silk finish. Much more advanced and approachable than the 1987 Reserve, it is ideal for near-term gratification.
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