The Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon for Mondavi is an expression drawn from multiple AVAs across Napa Valley, incorporating small portions of Merlot and Malbec, with fruit sourced from Carneros up to St Helena. Aged 18 months in 31% new French oak, it is about as classic as it gets from Napa’s iconic flagship estate. Bursting from the glass with black cherry, blackberry, and spiced plum, the wine shows well-integrated new wood cedar and a kiss of vanilla, and is quite enticing. Tobacco spice adds nuance, while the palate delivers bright, energetic juiciness framed by refined tannins. There's a real sense of completeness and generosity, with nothing out of place. Wet slate minerality carries through the finish. Given production hovers around 54,000 cases, this is masterfully crafted – a superb example of a well-built California Cabernet that Napa can proudly distribute to buyers around the world.
94 points, Jonathan Cristaldi, Decanter (Mar 2026)
Mondavi's biggest production and most affordable cabernet is extremely well made, powerful but drinkable. Full-bodied and richly flavored, with medium to full tannins, it’s packed with dark cherries, grilled plums, dried blueberries and savory, tobacco-leaf nuances. Drink now or hold.
93 points, Jim Gordon, James Suckling (Mar 2026)
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