1984 Robert Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve***
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Tasting notes
(12.5% alcohol; 16-1/2 days of skin contact): Dark medium red. Musky aromas of plum and leather. Boasts good energy and vinosity but only moderate flavor development, with the currant and leather flavors showing a strong green pepper element that suggests the vines were picked too early. Interestingly, Geneviève Janssens noted that through the '80s, the vineyard manager at Mondavi selected the date of the harvest and typically picked early. Since then, however, the winemakers have spent much more time in the vineyards and have been responsible for harvesting decisions.
Critic scores
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Last Tasted 2/93 As with the 1985, my notes reveal a progressive decline in this wine's score. It still possesses a dark ruby color, but there has been no bouquet development and the citric, tartaric-dominated flavors are far too acidic, exhibiting only sterility and a one-dimensional character. This is not a wine, but a museum piece built to meet specific laboratory requirements. Yes, it will age, but there is no value in a charmless, joyless wine.
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.