This delivers for a straightforward Cabernet Sauvignon with plenty of currants and sweet tobacco character. It's full-bodied, with plenty of good fruit, ripe tannins and bright acidity. The touch of alcohol on the finish is annoying but it's still outstanding. Better in two or three years.
90 points - James Suckling (June 20, 2011)
Notably herbal, showing bay leaf and mint notes, along with plenty of currant, earth, mineral and dried berry flavors to fill in the gaps. Full-bodied and firmly tannic, ending with complex black licorice and wet stone flavors. Best from 2012 through 2020. 93,000 cases made.
89 points - Wine Spectator (August 31, 2011)
The 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa, Mondavi’s least expensive Cabernet Sauvignon, is 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Merlot, and the rest Cabernet Franc and other grapes. It has a healthy deep ruby/purple color, with a pleasant nose of black fruits intermixed with hints of charcoal and spice, delicious, sweet fruit, medium body, and nice suppleness and flesh. Given that discounters will probably price this wine in the low twenties, this could be an outstanding bargain. It is no doubt a tribute to the talents of their director of winemaking, Genevieve Janssens. Drink it over the next decade.
89 points - The Wine Advocate (December 2010)
(includes 7% merlot, 5% cabernet franc, 2% syrah and 1% petit verdot): Bright ruby-red. Perfumed, floral aromas of cassis, black cherry, menthol and rose petal. Not a fleshy wine but offers lovely floral lift to the savory, dry flavors of ripe plum, cherry and spices. Finishes firmly tannic and a tad dry.
89 points - Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar (May/June '11)
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