2018 Robert Mondavi 'To Kalon Vineyard' Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville
This is only the eighth vintage of Mondavi’s impressive single-vineyard reserve from the coveted To Kalon soils. An instant classic upon release, the Mondavi team shows tremendous skill in capturing the soul of the To Kalon Vineyard using only the finest blocks. Eagerly anticipated, we don’t expect to keep it on the shelves for long.
Robert Mondavi founded his namesake winery in 1966 at the age of 53. He wasn't flush with cash, but he had a big dream. He envisioned that a more gracious lifestyle can be lead through the appreciation of wine, food and art. When he came to Oakville in the Napa Valley he saw the land upon which he could build his dream winery and make wines to stand shoulder to shoulder with the best wines from around the globe. Well, the Italian farm boy made good, launching what would become the first major winery in the Napa Valley after the end of Prohibition. Robert Mondavi Winery revolutionized the world of American wine by focusing on quality grape cultivation and embracing hospitality as a part of the wine business. At their Oakville estate, styled in homage to the missions of early California, the warm spirit of hospitality is ever present. Drop by, they'd love to see you.
Jeb Dunnuck
Another wine that shows the quality of the vintage to a T is the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve. It has undeniable class and finesse as well as medium to full body, a perfumed, complex array of cassis and dark fruits, tobacco, and violets, silky tannins, no hard edges, and a great finish.
James Suckling
Gorgeous aromas of lead pencil, graphite, blackcurrant, earth and moss. Full-bodied with silky, creamy tannins. Juicy and expressive, with incredible depth and complexity. The palate just keeps going, too. Fruity and powerful at the start, but turns more mineral and savory by the end. Superb. Best after 2024.
Wine Enthusiast
With a depth of red fruit adorned in cedar, earth and crushed rock, this impressively structured, complex wine is worthy of its reserve status. With great levels of integration, the tannins and oak add weight and power, with grip and length. Enjoy this full-bodied, youthful wine best from 2028 through 2033.
Wine Spectator
Dark and winey, with a smoldering intensity to the flavors of black currant preserves, fig paste and plum reduction. The structure is loamy, rich and driven in feel, while tobacco and warm stone accents play their supporting role. A brick house with a bit of an old-school feel. To be released September, 2021. Best from 2023 through 2036.
Wine Advocate
The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon To Kalon Reserve is a blend of 94.5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Petit Verdot and 0.5% Cabernet Franc. Deep garnet-purple in color, it needs a fair bit of coaxing to unlock notions of warm plums, cassis and mulberries, plus hints of cedar chest, charcuterie and black olives. Medium to full-bodied in the mouth, it is chock-full of bright, black fruits with a cedary undercurrent and firm, grainy tannins, finishing with great length.