Robert Mondavi Winery

A very good introduction to Napa Valley cabernet for drinkers who are unfamiliar. This offers ripe, generous red and black fruit on a velvety texture of fine-grained tannins. Black cherries, dark plums and blackberries come up in the aroma and then go deeper on the palate. Contains 7% petit verdot, 8% merlot, 3% cabernet franc and 1% malbec. Aged in all French barrels, 31% new, which add accents of cinnamon and cedar. Drink now or hold.

Fresh and lively with a polished structure, the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon has dark fruit and spice that carries through to the finish. The fruit is sourced from Napa Valley sub-appellations, although close to half is sourced from the deep, well-drained Oakville soils that play a big part in the supple character of this wine. The nose is alive with dark plums and blackberries spilling onto a dense palate of sweet, fine grained tannins and rich black fruits that never get too warm or mushy. The finish is complex, adding minerality and a savoury, turned earth note to close the experience. It's as good as it gets for the price. The blend is 91% cabernet sauvignon, 5% petit verdot, 3% cabernet franc, 1% malbec.