Wine

Item Description

These three wineries represent some of the oldest and almost legendary Cabernet based wines in California. Each has greatly contributed to the development of the California wine industry. They are can’t miss and highly sought wines.

Robert Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 1991

Wine Advocate 96:

To no one's surprise, Mondavi's greatest wines are the Reserve Cabernet Sauvignons, which compete favorably with the finest first-growth Bordeaux. Over the last decade, the top Mondavi Reserves have been the 1987 and 1990, but every time I return to the 1991 Reserve I realize that the exceptional rating I bestowed it was too low! Although it is not as showy or opulent as the 1990, I am now convinced there is more to it as it continues to reveal greater and greater extraction and more length. It appears to be a candidate for 20-25 years of stunningly delicious longevity. (1994) This wine is just beginning to drink spectacularly well. The fabulous 1991 Reserve is the quintessential Napa Cabernet that represents a synthesis in style between the elegance of a first-growth Bordeaux and the ripe, intense, generous fruit of Napa Valley. It is just hitting its peak of maturity where it should remain for 10-20 years. (2002)

This venerable Napa winery, which, justifiably, has enormous influence on the quality and direction of California winemaking, continues to perform admirably, pushing quality at both the vineyard and winery to greater heights. Mondavi's new and up-coming releases reinforce Mondavi's position as the spiritual and qualitative leader of that segment of the California wine industry dedicated to producing world class, compelling wines. (12/1994)

Mount Eden Cabernet Sauvignon Estate 2004

Wine Advocate 93+:

The 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon exhibits an opaque ruby/purple hue followed by pure, unevolved, black currant, raspberry, crushed rock, and spring flower-like notes. Very primary, it tastes more like a barrel sample than a finished wine, but it possesses enormous potential because of its combination of elegance, structure, and intensity. It should be forgotten for 7-8 years, and drunk over the following three decades. Anticipated maturity is 2014-2044.

This iconic winery continues to offer wines with personalities and styles that set them apart (especially the estate wines) from just about anything else readers will taste from California.

Chateau Montelena Cabernet Sauvignon Estate 1999

Wine Advocate 95:

The 1999 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate (an 8,600-case cuvee made from yields of 1.98 tons of fruit per acre) is considered by Bo Barrett to be a "great" year. The wine boasts a saturated inky/purple color as well as extraordinary density of fruit and cassis, and huge tannin, body, and extract. It is a substantial, palate-staining, long, muscular Cabernet that should only be purchased by connoisseurs with cold cellars as well as patience. Anticipated maturity: 2006-2030.

The Estate Cabernet Sauvignon remains one of California's most remarkable Cabernets. I have been following it since the early seventies, and even the most difficult vintages are still drinking beautifully. The home vineyard is so consistent that even in vintages such as 1989 and 1998, this wine is far better than its competition. Chateau Montelena over the last thirty years has been the most consistently fine producer of top-flight, world-class Napa Cabernet Sauvignon!

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