The 2010 Robert Mondavi Winery Chardonnay Reserve is my Wine of the Week (“WoW”) for September 22-September 28.
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. 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 Wine
The grapes for this wine were sourced from the Hyde Vineyard in cool climate Carneros AVA in the southernmost part of the Napa Valley. The grapes are pressed as whole clusters, then fermented on native yeasts in French oak where the wine undergoes partial malolactic fermentation.
What struck me most about this wine is how balanced it is.
My tasting notes follow:
Pale golden-yellow color with beguiling apple, butter, floral along with hints of honey, oak and tropical aromas. On the palate it’s med-bodied and impeccably balanced, with a creamy texture, very good acidity, with apple, tropical fruits and a bit of honey flavors. Med long finish. – 91pts
Chardonnay is not top of mind for me when it comes to wine and food pairing, but this is a very food friendly Chardonnay. There is a judicious use of oak, and very good acidity. It was fantastic with a Five Spice Chicken and Asian Style Noodle salad!
The Wine Geek Stuff:
Alcohol: 14.5% alcohol.
Closure: Cork.
AVA: > California > Napa / Sonoma> Carneros
Varietal(s): 100% Chardonnay
Cooperage: Aged in French Oak (68% new) for 8 months, neutral barrels for 7 months
Retail: $40
Cases produced: 704
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)
- 2010 Robert Mondavi Pinot Noir Reserve – (enofylzwineblog)