The 2010 Robert Mondavi Pinot Noir Reserve is my Wine of the Week (“WoW”) for September 1st-September 7th. It was my wine of choice for the 3rd annual #PinotSmackdown on September 6th!
The Winery
The Robert Mondavi Winery was established in 1966 by Robert Mondavi, one of the most influential and esteemed winemakers in California history (Click here for his story). It was the first major winery built in Napa Valley, and for decades was California’s most famous winery. It was acquired by Constellation Brands in 2004.
It’s a beautiful property with classic California mission-style architecture, with the expansive archway and bell tower. I must confess, I haven’t been in a long time. I recall visiting one of my first trips to Napa. Nowadays, I tend to visit the smaller wineries. But after tasting this wine, and their Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve (see post below), I’m going to have to drop by next time I go to Napa!
The Wine
The grapes for this wine were sourced from vineyards in cool climate Carneros AVA in the southernmost part of the Napa Valley. 82% of the fruit is from the Rancho Carneros Vineyard, planted in 1970, and 18% is from the Hyde Vineyards, planted in 1979.
What struck me most about this wine is how silky smooth it is.
My tasting notes follow:
Dark ruby color with fresh cherry, pomegranate, cedarwood, and floral aromas. On the palate it’s complex, medium-bodied and balanced with a very silky mouthfeel, and tart-ish cherry, cranberry and pomegranate flavors. Long finish. – 91pts; Highly recommended
This wine is a great example of why I love Pinot Noir. I arrived home after a loooong day at work, to discover Chicken Curry (mild) for dinner. I paired this wine with the Chicken Curry, and a Quinoa Zucchini salad dressed with a lemon balsamic vinegar chia seed dressing. This wine worked well with both, in part due to the inherent acidity of Pinot Noir, and in part because it’s medium-bodied rather than a light-bodied Pinot Noir. Pinot Noir is known as the Chef’s wine for good reason, it’s such a versatile food pairing partner!
The Wine Geek Stuff:
Alcohol: 14.5% alcohol.
Closure: Cork.
AVA: > California> Napa Valley> Carneros
Varietal(s): 100% Pinot Noir
Cooperage: Aged in 100% new French Oak for 12 months
Retail: $60
Cases produced: 1,903
Media Sample
Many thanks to Folsom & Associates for providing the wine.
Related posts your may enjoy:
- 2007 Robert Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve – (enofylzwineblog)
- 2009 Robert Mondavi Napa Valley Merlot – (enofylzwineblog)
I have recently rediscovered Robert Mondavi wines and I too have visited their Napa site a handful of times many years ago. Glad to see one of my first wine loves continues to succeed not only commercially but with quality products.
I have a 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon in my wine cellar which may need drinking sooner rather than later.
Thank you.
I haven’t had a Mondavi in years until I purchased a few bottles of the ’07 Reserve Cab last year. It was outstanding (which you kind of expect the Reserve wines to be..), but the real surprise for me was their $23 Napa Valley Cab which puts on great price/performance.
I haven’t had this wine, but will seek it out. Pinot Noir is a favorite around my house.
PS, I like the new blog layout.
Cheers!
Eileen – Thanks! I’m still working on getting the blog together (still not twitter feed or blogroll)…