Had dinner at a friend's place last night and on the menu was beef stew. This was a wonderful match.
1977 Robert Mondavi Winery- Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve -USA, California, Napa Valley
All I can say is "wow!" What a stellar showing for this wine. It's been one of my favorite older California Cabs, but this bottle blew away away every bottle I've had in the past. It's color is still a vibrant garnet and upon opening, one is greeted by the sweet smell of cedar and cherries. On the palate the wine has vitality as well as elegance in a way that only a mature wine can show. It gives a hint of being Bordeaux-like with its cedar, tobacco and sweet cherry profile, but it lacks the earth notes and herb qualities, though previous bottles have shown some herb and even graphite. The balance is impeccable and the wine is fully integrated with wonderful harmony and great depth. My friend and I couldn't stop commenting on how good the wine was. It's in a wonderful place right now, though there's no real hurry to drink well-stored bottles. Just superb and a wonderful accompaniment to beef stew. Solid A.
1977 Robert Mondavi Winery- Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve -USA, California, Napa Valley
All I can say is "wow!" What a stellar showing for this wine. It's been one of my favorite older California Cabs, but this bottle blew away away every bottle I've had in the past. It's color is still a vibrant garnet and upon opening, one is greeted by the sweet smell of cedar and cherries. On the palate the wine has vitality as well as elegance in a way that only a mature wine can show. It gives a hint of being Bordeaux-like with its cedar, tobacco and sweet cherry profile, but it lacks the earth notes and herb qualities, though previous bottles have shown some herb and even graphite. The balance is impeccable and the wine is fully integrated with wonderful harmony and great depth. My friend and I couldn't stop commenting on how good the wine was. It's in a wonderful place right now, though there's no real hurry to drink well-stored bottles. Just superb and a wonderful accompaniment to beef stew. Solid A.