Michael Mondavi Family Estate, Napa Valley (California) Cabernet Sauvignon 2008

It should surprise no one that Michael Mondavi, one of Robert’s sons, can make a stunning Cabernet since that was the flagship varietal of The Robert Mondavi Winery when the family controlled it. Emblem reflects the mountain vineyard origin of the grapes. A bold wine with ripe flavors, it remains balanced and not overdone. Importantly, a gorgeous, almost tarry, mineral component is the perfect foil for the lush fruit notes. This wine reveals itself as it sits in the glass. At first all that is apparent is big black fruit, but with time the layered non-fruit components emerge. It finishes mineraly, not sweet. At this stage, the tannins are a big prominent and the flavors haven’t all come together yet, but I have no doubt that it will settle down after a few years in the cellar.