Wine Reviews

Review: 2015 Robert Mondavi Winery Cabernet Sauvignon

I was inspired to pick this wine up at my local liquor store after watching SOMM: Into the Bottle (great wine documentary if you’re looking for something to watch! It’s on Amazon Prime). They really hyped up the force that Robert Mondavi was in the wine world, so I just knew I had to pick up a bottle. I’m studying Cabernet Sauvignon right now as well, so it seemed like fate when I came across this bottle.

Let me read you the fine print on the front of the label, to set the stage:

In 1966, Robert Mondavi built his Napa Valley winery with a singular vision: to create wines that stand among the world’s finest. This Cabernet Sauvignon showcases outstanding vineyards in the geographic center of the Napa Valley. Fruit characteristics, such as blackberry and cassis, combined with the spicy oak elements lead to an elegant structure, with velvety tannins and excellent length. A Napa Valley classic.

Genevieve Jansenns

Sound delicious already, doesn’t it? I was certainly intrigued.

I am sipping mine on a solo evening of wine studying, so I didn’t pair it with anything too fancy, just some pan fried gnocchi with chicken in cream sauce. I feel like that didn’t do it justice though, so I’ll be saving the rest for a nicer meal tomorrow night.

But enough of that. I bet you’re just dying to get to the tasting, aren’t you? I know I am. Let’s go.

THE LOOK

The colour of this wine is stunningly rich. It’s a deep ruby-garnet that I just love.

It’s quite thick and coats the glass as I swirl.

THE AROMAS

I haven’t decanted this, because I know I want to save the majority of the bottle, so it’s likely a bit more closed off than it will be tomorrow. The only aerating happening with this tasting is the swirling of my glass, so I’m taking that into consideration.

The aromas are a medium intensity and black cherry, black plum and licorice jump out at me immediately. There’s almost a sweet quality to the fruit aromas, followed by a hint of cedar.

Black fruit and cedar are some of the most recognizable characteristics of Cabernet Sauvignon, so I’d say this is a very strong expression of the grape.

Herbal and herbaceous notes are common as well, and can be especially prominent if the grapes are under-ripe. That isn’t the case here at all. A whiff of mint is all I’m picking up.

I’ve never come across blackcurrant in my everyday life, so it’s one of those smells that I don’t pick up on easily. I know it’s also a hallmark black fruit associated with Cabernet Sauvignon though, so I broke out my Le Nez Du Vin Aromas kit to double check.

Are you like me and have no idea what it smells like either? My best description would be that it smells like a very dark, rich jam, or even almost like a dark berry syrup. It definitely smells sweet, which is what I was picking up earlier, but couldn’t put the proper name to.

Remember: never feel bad about not know what something smells like. Use the words you are most familiar with, even if that’s as vague as “that perfume my grandma used to wear” or “something funky but in a good way.” The language will come with time and practice.

Overall, it smells delicious, and I’m ready to take a little taste.

THE PALATE

The tannins are what strike me first. As I swirl the wine around my mouth, I think to myself “Huh, these really are some smooth tannins, they’re not at all as aggressive as I was expecting”. But when I swallow, then they appear. Still not overpowering, but definitely some distinct structure. While this wine is absolutely enjoyable now, it easily has some aging potential as well.

The acidity is very well balanced against the tannins. It’s there, but not too sharp. Without it, this wine could be bitter, but instead it tastes refreshing while still holding it’s weight as a full bodied wine.

The flavours on the palate are consistent with the aromas on the nose, minus the sweetness of course. This wine is dry.

The alcohol content is fairly high at 15%, but it doesn’t taste like it. Sometimes I find wines with alcohol this high overwhelm the fruit and oak flavours, but not this one. It complements the other elements perfectly.

CONCLUSION

Overall, I am incredibly impressed with this wine. I would buy it again in a heartbeat. And I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for more of his legacy to add to my wine shelves.

Want to learn more about Cab Sauv? Check out my Wine Baby’s Guide to Cabernet Sauvignon, here.

Are you a Robert Mondavi fan? What’s your favourite bottle? Let me know in the comments!