2009 Robert Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve***

During my visit, I was also able to taste the 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve, which now, at 10 years of age, is showing beautifully, and I’d guess is at the early stages of its prime drinking window. Lots of blackcurrants, tobacco, cedary spice, and a touch of earthy meatiness all flow from this full-bodied, ripe, layered, and beautifully textured Cabernet. A blend of 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Cabernet Franc, and the rest Petit Verdot, it has another 10-15 years of prime drinking, then, I suspect, a gradual decline after that.

The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve is just entering its first plateau of maturity. Black cherry, chocolate, torrefaction, cedar, leather, smoke, tobacco and new oak all infuse the 2009 with notable depth. Plush and yet also brooding, I would prefer to drink the 2009 sooner rather than later.

The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve is a blend of 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Cabernet Franc and 4% Petit Verdot. Deep garnet colored, the nose offers up open-knit, mature notes of baked blackberries, warm cassis and plum preserves with touches of dried sage, cigar box and menthol plus touches of smoked meats and charcoal. Medium to full-bodied, the palate leads with a sturdy structure of firm, chewy tannins and oodles of freshness framing the evolved, savory flavors, finishing on a stewed tea note.