Robert Mondavi Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2002
This entry was posted on 2/8/2006 8:26 PM and is filed under California Cabernets, good value wines.
I have been a fan of Robert Mondavi Winery for quite some time. It's a shame that the Mondavi family no longer has any connection to the winery that bears their name, having sold their company to the Constellation Beverage Company towards the end of 2005. The next few vingtages will be the last that have the "Mondavi hand" involved in the production of the wine. Any student of California wine will know that Robert Mondavi has done more than any other single individual to push the quality of California wine in a positive direction over the last 40 years. As he got older, however, he turned the reigns over to his sons, Tim (winemaker), and Michael (chariman of the board). Daughter Marcia was also on the board of directors. Many would argue that the children let the quality slip, and the winery lost some of its luster the last few years. The winery got too big, and started producing "value wines" that diluted the brand's prestige. The winery seemed to lose its focus on their high quality Napa flagship wines. From a business standpoint, the "value wines" (Woodbridge, Mondavi Coastal, Mondavi Private Selection) made a lot more money than the "flagship wines" (Robert Mondavi Winery Napa Valley, and Robert Mondavi Reserve). Perhaps this is why the flagship wines did not get the attention that they used to enjoy in the days when Robert Mondavi himself ran the show, and stuck just to the quality wines as opposed to the high volume value wines. It just goes to show that in the end, especially if your company goes public, t's all about the money.
Having said all that, the Robert Mondavi Napa Valley Cabs seemed to have returned triumphantly to their old form the last 2 vintages. They remind me of the time when Jack Nicklaus won the Masters long after everyone thought he was too old to compete any more. The 2001 and 2002 were both excellent. They retail for about $25, and can often times be found at the discount stores for under $20.00. The Mondavi Winery Napa Cabs can be found at just about any supermarket or wine shop. Both these wines have a strong nose of blackberry with a hint of wet earth and truffles. The strong tannins are well enough integrated that you can drink the wine now. Both wines have enough fruit to satisfy most palates. I did not like the 2001 when first released a year ago (tannins too dry), but it drinks beautifully now. The 2002 drank well from the get go. They both have a nice finish.
I'm glad that the Mondavi's are ending their 40 year reign at the winery on a good note. I give the 2001 3.5 stars, and the 2002 just a smidgen short of 4 stars. For the price, they represent a "gold medal value".
Thanks for the memories, Mr Mondavi.
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