Tag Archive for: napa

Un Grand vin - Robert Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 1996

Un Grand vin – Robert Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 1996

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A Great Wine – Robert Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 1996

A Great Wine is one that often stands out from the other ones during an evening, an event or a tasting, giving a best showing between all the present wines in being different in a good way. This wine type can also lower the appreciation of the other ones poured at that moment and making them look dull or of low interest, even if drank alone they would’ve tasted much better as they are shadowed by the best ones.

Having attend a recent tasting where many good and qualitative wines were poured, one stood out, and it’s the one I’ll talk about in this week Great Wine suggestion. The others were good, enjoyable and representative of their origin and style.

But the wine I’ll talk about was on point, better than the other ones, with that sparkling qualities, more depth and a charming blend of aromas and flavors. I was also pleased in the way that this particular type of wine is a favorite of mine. Being sold even before I took my first sip, I knew it was going to be a great moment, and it was!

Un Grand vin - Robert Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 1996

Masterclass event where teh 1996 Mondavi Reserve was poured

Here are my thoughts on the wine:

Robert Mondavi Winery Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 30th Anniversary Edition Napa 1996

Garnet color with a touch of bricking on the rim. Nose that flows to Bordeaux while being typical of aged Napa Cabernet wines with lots of elegance. Aromas and flavors of berries, earth, mushrooms, fine spices and tobacco. Long lasting finish with just a little bitterness to it that matches the finesse of the wine. This was so good! Superb (93)

Made of 96% cabernet sauvignon and 4% cabernet franc. Aged two years in new French oak barrels. Alcohol level of 13,5% 

Robert Mondavi Winery’s website: robertmondaviwinery.com

Thanks to Constellation Brands for the intive to this event where this spectacular wine was poured!  cbrands.com

Diamond Cabernet-Sauvignon Red Rock Terrace Napa 1996

Diamond Creek Cabernet-Sauvignon Red Rock Terrace Napa 1996

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Diamond Creek Cabernet-Sauvignon Red Rock Terrace Napa 1996

The Californian Diamond Creek Vineyards, which name comes from the place where it stands, the Diamond Creek Canyon, is made of different types of soil vineyards, bottled separately, ranging for 3 to 4 different wines depending on the vintage. One more thing that makes Diamond Creek different from the others wineries of that area, especially when it was founded in the late 1960’s, is the fact that it’s planted only with Cabernet-Sauvignon, from vines coming from First Growth Bordeaux Château.

Having a great capacity to age, these wines fully shows themselves when mature at around 20 years of age while holding a lot more. It is always a Great moment to enjoy these wines in that stage of development, which I did again! I had the opportunity over the years to drink few “old” or mature wines from Diamond Creek, as the 1979 and the 1992 also noted on my blog.

Here is now my note on this 1996 Red Rock Terrace:

Very dark garnet color. Nose of berries, leather, tobacco with fine spices and oak, showing clearly what Cabernet-Sauvignon wines can do best, while having great resemblance with left bank Bordeaux wines. This had such a beautiful nose! Flavors of the same kind of what was on the nose with the additional minerality, still showing structure even if polished in a long silky, fine, balance and savory finish. Liked it a lot! Superb (92)

Made of Cabernet-Sauvignon from vines planted on steep hillside made of red clay mixed with iron deposits. Aged in new French oak barrels. Alcohol level of 12,5%

The 2011 and 2012 vintages are currently available in some SAQ stores. For older vintages, some were previously sold through special release from the SAQ, so look for them of shop south of the border in US wine shops.

Diamond Creek Vineyards website: diamondcreekvineyards.com

They are represented in Québec by Réserve et Sélection / Trialto: trialto.com