92 Points - Wine Enthusiast Magazine (2006 vintage):"Not clear if this is a long-term ager, but you definitely want to give it a good decanting of at least four hours. You should even pour the glasses and let them to stand for an hour. The interaction with oxygen will open the wine up and allow it to express its herbal, soft deliciousness. Airing also emphasizes the cherry and red currant fruit, letting the palate enjoy this complex, tannic wine at its best." — S.H. (12/31/2010)
92 Points - Wine & Spirits Magazine (2005 vintage):"A
classic Alexander Valley cabernet, this is dark and cedary, and as
smooth as velvet. The tannins last, built on black cherry-skin flavor
and earthy, root-vegetable notes. With time, that black cherry flavor
should become more prominent, balancing the wine's earthy complexities."
(3/10)
90 Points - Wine & Spirits Magazine (2004 vintage):"Distinctly Alexander Valley in its restraint and grace, this wine takes its time to gain clarity in its flavors. It contrasts light fruit and plump tannins, finishing with the taste of chocolate-covered espresso beans. Decant a bottle for roast leg of lamb. (Dec 2008)"
Robert Mondavi Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 (Napa Valley, California) - [RP 95+] [WS 95] [WE 95] [ST 94]
Notes from the Winemaker:
90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Cabernet Franc, 3% Petit Verdot
Aging: 18 months in French Oak
Alcohol %: 15.9
The
2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve carries the full classic aromas of
crème de cassis, licorice, and cedarwood with layers of spice, camphor
and roasted herbs. On the palate, the wine reflects the very expressive
terroir of the To Kalon Vineyard with ripe blue and black
fruits—mineral-laced dark berries and powerful, integrated tannins for
which this vineyard is known. The lush aromatics and well developed
flavors are wrapped in firm, velvety tannins, giving the wine an
exceedingly long, aristocratic finish.
Ratings & Reviews
95+ Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate:"The
full-bodied, powerful, pure 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve is another
outstanding effort revealing notes of spring flowers, toasty oak, creme
de cassis, licorice, and graphite. One would have to go back to the
1990, 1991, 2001, or 2002 to find a Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve
this impressive. The 2007 should evolve for 20-25 years.
I know
there have been a lot of concerns about the huge Constellation empire
running Mondavi, but these remain very impressive wines." - Robert
Parker (12/2009)
95 Points & "Collectibles" - Wine Spectator Magazine:"A
wonderful expression of stylish Cabernet that's ripe, fleshy, complex
and layered, highlighting ripe currant, wild berry and blueberry, with
touches of cedar and cigar box. The flavors gain traction on the finish.
Drink now through 2022. 9,590 cases made." –JL (9/30/2010)
95 Points & "Cellar Selection" - Wine Enthusiast Magazine:"Bone
dry and utterly balanced, with deeply powerful, long-lasting flavors of
blackberries and black currants and an intense, but integrated, coating
of smoky oak. But it’s also very tannic. Nothing soft about this wine.
As fine a cellar candidate as any Mondavi Reserve in years. Should
develop for 12, 15, even 20 years." - S.H. (10/1/2010)
94 Points - Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar:"(92%
To Kalon fruit) Deep, bright ruby. Very ripe, nuanced nose and palate
offer cassis, minerals, graphite and licorice, plus a complicating note
of tarry oak. Sweet, dense and rich, with classic Oakville cabernet
flavors; strongly mineral- and soil-driven. Offers a lovely combination
of fat, chewiness and sheer power. Finish with a mouthful of sweet
tannins and excellent structure for a graceful evolution in bottle. This
has turned out very well and should ultimately surpass the 2006." -
Stephen Tanzer (May/June '10)
