My #WineWednesday review features three very good wines from the Robert Mondavi “Napa Valley” Collection.  I had the opportunity to taste these wine thanks to the good folks at Folsom & Associates, and Robert Mondavi.

The Winery

The Robert Mondavi Winery (“RM”) 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. For decades it 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 an expansive archway and bell tower.  I must confess I haven’t been in a long time.  I recall visiting on one of my first trips to Napa.  Nowadays, I tend to visit the smaller wineries.  But, I’ve been impressed with their reserve wines.  I’ve also been impressed with a few of their entry-level wines  In particular the Napa Valley Merlot, and the Private Selection Meritage provide very good to great price quality performance.

The Wines

The three wines tasted are from the RM “Napa Valley” line of wines.  They include:

• 2011 Robert Mondavi Chardonnay Napa Valley
• 2011 Robert Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley
• 2012 Robert Mondavi Pinot Noir Napa Valley

Robert Mondavi’s original vision was to produce wines from the Napa Valley that would stand in the company of the world’s finest.

These wines are sourced from the finest appellations in the Napa Valley including Oakville, Stag’s Leap, Carneros and other select vineyard sites.

In addition to the Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Pinot Noir reviewed here, other “Napa Valley” wines include Fume Blanc, and Merlot.

2011 Robert Mondavi Napa Valley Chardonnay

My tasting notes follow:

Pale yellow color with apple, hazelnut, brown spice, lemon rind and a touch of oak aromas. On the palate, it’s medium-bodied, with fresh acidity, and a supple mouthfeel. it shows apple, pear vanilla, lemon and spice flavors. Medium finish.

Rating: B+ – Nice value at $19 SRP!

The Wine Geek Stuff:

• Alcohol: 13.5% alcohol.
• Closure: Cork
• Where it’s from: Napa Valley (56% Carneros; 24% Napa Valley; 14% Stag’s Leap District, and 6% Russian River Valley
• Grape varieties: 100% Chardonnay
• Cooperage: Aged in 10 months in French oak
• Retail: $19
• Drink: now – 2017

2012 Robert Mondavi Pinot Noir Napa Valley

My tasting notes follow:

Ruby color with damp earth, strawberry, cherry, and warm spice aromas. On the palate, it’s medium-bodied with medium acidity, and a smooth mouthfeel. It shows straight forward, pleasant strawberry, cherry, and spice flavors with a mineral undertone. Between short and medium finish.

Rating: B+ – I enjoyed the Cabernet Sauvignon, and the Chardonnay, more than this one,  but it offers solid value for a Pinot Noir.

The Wine Geek Stuff:

• Alcohol: 14.5% alcohol.
• Closure: Cork
• Where it’s from: Napa Carneros
• Grape varieties: 100% Pinot Noir
• Cooperage: Aged in 5 months in French oak (26% new)
• Retail: $26
• Drink: now – 2017

2011 Robert Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

My tasting notes follow:

Garnet color with cassis, boxwood, green pepper, and hints of violet and spice aromas. On the palate, its medium-bodied with medium acidity. Good balance and persistence. It shows engaging blackberry, cassis,and kiss of spice flavors with a bit of minerality to make it interesting. Stylistically closer to Old World than New World for me. Medium + finish.

Rating: B+:  Good value at $28, and a good food Cab!

The Wine Geek Stuff:

• Alcohol: 14% alcohol.
• Closure: Cork
• Where it’s from: Napa Valley (35% To Kalon Vineyard, 13% Wappo Hill Vineyard)
• Grape varieties: 84% Cabernet Sauvignon; 8% Cabernet Franc; 5% Merlot; 3% Petit Verdot
• Cooperage: Aged in 16 months in 60 gallon French oak (13% new)
• Retail: $28 ( I found it at Costco for $19.99!)
• Drink: now – 2017

Media sample(s) – Many thanks to Folsom & Associates for providing the wine.

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This article is original to ENOFYLZ Wine Blog.com. Copyright 2014 ENOFYLZ Wine Blog. All rights reserved.