Review: Wines of Robert Mondavi, 2018 Releases
A trio of wines from Robert Mondavi: Two whites from its Napa Valley line, and the latest release of Maestro, an upscale Bordeaux-style blend in a special bottle. Let’s taste.
2015 Robert Mondavi Chardonnay Napa Valley – Bright with lemon on the nose, the palate offers notes of vanilla wafers, a touch of grapefruit, and a savory note that folds in herbs and some hints of grassy meadow. Brown butter notes linger on the back end. B / $14
2016 Robert Mondavi Fume Blanc Napa Valley – A classic Napa sauvignon blanc, overloaded with pepe du chat aromas, but on the palate showcasing lots of lemon, some pear, and notes of stale vanilla wafers. Not a very cohesive wine, but not altogether off-putting. B- / $13
2014 Robert Mondavi Maestro – 73% cabernet sauvignon, 23% cabernet franc, 2% merlot, 2% petit verdot. Lots of currant and plum on the nose, but the body is more restrained than that fruity attack might suggest. Ample tannin provides a thick backbone on the palate, where notes of baking spice, dark chocolate, and duskier spices lead to a lingering conclusion. B+ / $50
2014 Robert Mondavi Maestro
$50
