Robert Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve

The 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve boasts a saturated ruby/purple color in addition to a sumptuous nose of graphite, blackberries, creme de cassis, cedar, and subtle toasty oak. Full-bodied with a seamless integration of acidity, wood, and tannin, this long, rich, impressively-endowed, stunning Cabernet will be even better with 2–3 years of bottle age, and should age for two decades. I suppose it will always be difficult to comprehend that this winery is no longer being run by Robert Mondavi and his sons, Tim and Michael. However, their legacy of quality and their contribution to the appreciation of fine wine in the United States is irrefutable. These offerings, made by Tim Mondavi and his staff, are very impressive.

The rich and intense 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve has a saturated ruby/purple color and is sweet and dark, with a complex nose of creme de cassis, blackberry, subtle oak, and smoke. It is medium to full-bodied and seems richer, fuller, and more intense than the 2004, but again reminds me of a St.-Julien made in Napa.

Good saturated ruby-red. Perfumed aromas of currant, black cherry, espresso, milk chocolate and flowers; a real essence of Napa Valley cabernet. Enters the palate like silk, then builds slowly toward the back, offering a lovely light touch and plenty of inner-mouth aromatic character. Finishes with substantial but very fine tannins that reach the incisors, and lingering perfume.

Shows all the hallmarks of great Mondavi Reserve. Ageworthy and complex, with enormously ripe, rich fruit, classic chocolate, cassis plus cream and spice from new oak. So smoothly voluptuous now, it goes down like velvet, but the tannin-acid balance will easily hold this wine through 2015.

Good full ruby. Explosive aromas of blackberry, blueberry, minerals and tobacco. Deep, brooding cabernet with terrific sweetness of fruit and depth. Complicating mineral and tobacco notes. Finishes with huge tannins that avoid hardness. Offers very strong potential, but this is an infant today.