2001 Robert Mondavi "Reserve" Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
SKU #1011424
95
points
Wine Spectator
Smooth and sophisticated, with complex, graceful mocha, espresso bean, dried berry, currant, black cherry and plum woven together in an open-knit style that's deceptively deep and penetrating. At a perfect drinking intersection, where the fruit is at times youthful yet maturing.--2001 California Cabernet blind retrospective (June 2011).
94
points
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
A brilliant effort from Mondavi, the 2001 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve (a blend of 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc and the rest Malbec and Petit Verdot) exhibits complex aromatics of forest floor, sweet black cherry and black currant fruit, vanillin and lead pencil shavings. Dense and powerful as well as elegant and concentrated, the finish reveals moderate tannins, and the wine needs another 4-5 years of cellaring, but it has at least 25 years of upside left.
(6/ 2011)
94
points
Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar
Deep ruby. Reticent but highly nuanced nose hints at black raspberry, cassis, smoke, espresso and minerals. Very complex, rich and sharply focused, with captivating flavors of cassis, bitter chocolate, menthol, tobacco and earth. Rather backward wine, yet suave and seamless; this is balanced from the start but has the structure to develop in bottle for 15 to 20 years. Juicy finish features big, broad tannins and a sweet suggestion of chocolate. Wears its 14.6% alcohol gracefully.
(5/ 2004)
94
points
Wine Enthusiast
*Cellar Selection* Contains 67% To Kalon Vineyard fruit. Still a baby. Closed, brooding, very deep, very dry. Fabulous cassis fruit, a huge wine. Lots of delicious, sweet new oak. Superbly balanced, impressive. Drinkable now, but best 2010-2020.
(6/ 2005)