A great value in a Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, from an allegedly weak vintage? Yes, indeed. As prices continue to go wonky in the valley, there are a few producers that remain dedicated to elegant, complex Cab at fair prices. This wine is sourced mainly from the famed To Kalon vineyard, and is worthy of its proud heritage. It’s my kind of wine — layered aromatics that start with vibrant pepper and dried herbs, followed by blackberry and black currants, and ending with rich vanilla and spice. The palate is dry, and delivers on the promise of the nose with moderate grip, lively acidity and a blossoming finish that shows excellent integration of flavor, and will gain in complexity with further bottle aging. Winemaker Genevieve Janssens is making great food friendly wines, and living up to the legacy of the winery name. Well done!
Robert Mondavi Winery, Oakville (Napa Valley, California) Cabernet Sauvignon 2011
By Rich Cook