I've had a decent amount of Robert Mondavi wine in my time, and even this wine, albeit in a different vintage, and so my hopes weren't incredibly high. But, being that 2012 was a stellar year in Napa, and Robert Mondavi at least used to make great wine, I thought this might be a good chance to prove me wrong. This was better than I remember and really not all that bad. I still think it's a far shot from some of their higher end wines, but I can taste some of the same concepts here as I get out of say their Oakville cabernet; after all, about a quarter of the wine comes from the vineyard that made Mondavi famous, To Kalon. To Kalon is over 400 acres located in the heart of the Oakville appellation stretching outward from the winery. There's a lot of exceptional wine being made from To Kalon fruit, and not just by Mondavi. So it's nice that this basic, $20 bottle does capture a hint of that famous source. It lacks the full depth and complexity that this vineyard is truly known for, but it still surprised me. There was a decent amount of fruit, perhaps a little on the sweet side, and some structure, though not quite enough. Where it really lost me was in the disproportionate perception of alcohol. It made the wine feel out of balance.
Robert Mondavi Winery celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, and though it is no longer family-owned and run, they are still capable of making some pretty great wine. If you do get a chance to try some of their 100% To Kalon wines, please don't pass that up. They are a glimpse of Napa's history. In particular, some of their white wines from To Kalon are surprisingly good.
Robert Mondavi Winery celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, and though it is no longer family-owned and run, they are still capable of making some pretty great wine. If you do get a chance to try some of their 100% To Kalon wines, please don't pass that up. They are a glimpse of Napa's history. In particular, some of their white wines from To Kalon are surprisingly good.