Robert Mondavi, Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley

An epic vertical tasting of the Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon celebrated the 50th anniversary of Robert Mondavi Winery this year. The most moving bottle was the 1966, served over dinner and introduced by Magrit Mondavi (who sadly passed away in September at the age of 91) who described the frenetic activity that surrounded that inaugural vintage. The greatest wine, however, was the 1973. At the time, the Mondavi team believed this vintage to be the best of the previous fifteen years; little did they know it might turn out to be the best Reserve ever made. A stunning bouquet of rose petal, fragrant red-black fruit, rich soil and licorice prefaces a very youthful, vibrant wine with compelling density, freshness and purity. This is just cruising along in the cellar. Picked at 23 Brix and fermented, believe it or not, in roto-fermenters (the Mondavi winery was always ‘cutting edge’). The blend includes 12% Cabernet Franc.