1969 Robert Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley
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Tasting notes
Realm Cellars historic Napa Valley tasting. Two bottlings of this were made, one regular and one unfined. We tasted the unfined one. Scott Becker of Realm suggested the wine presented ‘a l ens into what people thought made quality then’. The Mondavi Cabernets were changed to ‘unfiltered’ in 1970! This was made before a Reserve bottling was introduced. ‘Everyone knew it came mainly from the To-Kalon vineyard.’ The back label tells us that the French oak (a very treasured commodity those days) came from Nevers, Limousine (sic) and the Black Forest! Balsam aromas. (Often the filtered tastes better, according to Becker). Deep crimson – an excellent colour for a 1969. Very obviously Cabernet Sauvignon. Light and fresh. Finishes very dry but very much alive! (JR)
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
Served for a friends 50th birthday, this is a pretty wine. It\'s not big, or fruity, it\'s on the elegant, fresh, cherry and cranberry side, with a hit of cedar, tobacco and forest leaf. The texture is soft, with sweet and tart red fruits from start to finish. I am not sure this will make it for their 60th, but if you need to celebrate someones 50th, this is a good choice. It is really quite charming and fun to taste. 90 Points
LAST TASTED 2/93 This elegant, understated, medium ruby-colored wine with a touch of amber, possesses a Medoc-like austerity and subtlety. Still in fine shape, with medium body, crisp acidity, admirable underlying fruit and character, as well as tannin in the finish, it is attractive in a straightforward, stylish manner. Drink it up.
About the producer
Robert Mondavi is a name known the world over. The ambitious businessman created his eponymous winery in 1966 to produce world-class wines in Napa, pioneering quality winemaking and becoming a champion for the region.