2023 Robert Mondavi - Cabernet Sauvignon Private Selection California (750ml)

Robert Mondavi founded his namesake winery in Napa Valley in 1966, becoming the first major producer to open there after Prohibition and pioneering techniques like cold fermentation and French oak aging that helped define modern California winemaking. He also championed varietal labeling, naming wines after their grapes rather than their regions, a practice that became the standard for New World wines. The Private Selection tier extends that founding vision to a broader, more accessible price point, offering wines crafted for everyday enjoyment while still reflecting the winery's long-standing commitment to craftsmanship.

This Cabernet Sauvignon is blended primarily from cabernet sauvignon with small amounts of petite sirah, cabernet franc and syrah, all sourced from California's cool-climate coastal vineyards, where slower ripening builds depth of flavor and structure. Following harvest, the wine is aged for roughly ten months in French and American oak barrels, with a portion finished in bourbon barrels to layer in extra warmth and complexity. The result is a wine with a medium body and soft, approachable tannins.

The nose offers ripe black cherry, blackberry, and cassis, joined by vanilla, toasted oak, and a hint of cigar box spice. The palate carries those same dark fruit flavors alongside notes of cocoa, cedar, and coffee, finishing smooth with a touch of black pepper. This versatile red suits the table well, complementing grilled steak or lamb, hearty red sauce pasta, or a well-aged hard cheese.