Robert Mondavi Winery Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon UNFILTERED 1996

Report: 1996 Robert Mondavi Winery Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, USA

Classification: A legend in the aging phase

The 1996 Robert Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon is more than just a wine; it is a timeless piece of Napa Valley wine history. It embodies the philosophy of its founder, Robert Mondavi, who fought for the quality and world-class potential of Californian wines throughout his life. The 1996 vintage is considered a "classic" and outstanding year in Napa Valley, producing wines with ideal balance, structure and longevity. This Cabernet is a prime example of this and is now, almost 30 years later, at the peak of its development.

Sensory analysis (current state)

Colour:
A deep, opaque garnet red that already shows clear brick and orange tones at the edges - a clear indication of a mature, noble Cabernet.

Nose:
The initial, youthful primary fruit has given way to a complex and fascinating aromatic palette. The flavours have now fully entered the tertiary phase and are dominated by cedar wood and tobacco leaves:

• Cedar wood and tobacco leaves

• Leathery notes and a fine truffle or sub-soil essence

• Preserved black cherries and plum jam
  In the background, as a characteristic signature of the famous To Kalon Vineyard, a cool note of mint or eucalyptusis perceptible.

Palate:
On the palate, the wine is silky, full-bodied and wonderfully supple. The once powerful tannins are fully integrated and give the wine a velvety, almost powdery texture. The acidity is still present and lends support to the ripe fruit structure. The flavour follows the nose with aromas of:

• Ripe blackcurrants (cassis) and plums

• Liquorice and bitter chocolate

• Cedar wood and tobacco
  The finish is exceptionally long and persistent, with flavours of ripe fruit, cedar and leather lingering for minutes.

Vintage & vinification

• 1996 vintage in Napa Valley:characterised by a long, moderate summer without extreme heat. This allowed for a slow and complete physiological ripening of the grapes while maintaining acidity. The wines are more elegant and structured than in the later, hotter vintages.

• Grape varieties:Predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon, often supplemented by small proportions of Cabernet Franc, Merlot and/or Petit Verdot to increase complexity.

• Ageing: Typical of the time, the wine was aged in French oak barrels, which contributed to its complex flavour and slowly maturing tannin structure.

Maturity & ageing potential

• Current drinking maturity: This wine has reached its optimum drinking window and now offers the perfect symbiosis of residual fruit and the full development of tertiary flavours. For the connoisseur, it is now at its absolute peak.

• Storage potential:If stored properly (constantly cool, dark and lying down), it can retain its shape for another 5-8 years. However, no further improvement is to be expected, but rather a gradual decline in fruit. The zenith has been reached.

Rating & recommendations

Rating (in historical context): 95/100 points
A wine that has completely fulfilled the promises of its vintage and provenance and today shows the maturity and complexity of a true classic.

Recommendations:

• Decanting: A gentle decantingof around 30-60 minutes is recommended to open up the complex flavours and retain any sediment that may have built up over the years.

• Food pairing: Ideal with mature, noble dishes:

  • Medallions of venison or lamb

  • Entrecôte or fillet of beef

  • Various types of hard cheese (e.g. old Comté or Gouda)

Conclusion

The 1996 Robert Mondavi Winery Cabernet Sauvignon is a reference against which many modern Napa Cabernets must be measured. It is living proof of the longevity and evolving complexity of the great wines from this region. Anyone who opens a bottle today not only savours a wine of elegant maturity and beauty, but also a piece of living wine history. An absolute delight for the connoisseur.