2005 Robert Mondavi Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon

93 points from the Wine News: "Violet hue. Pretty nose with tobacco, leather and plum scents. Nice blend of black fruit and graphite have the great backing of cedar-laced tannins. Tart, drying notes on the finish with hints of maple and focused tannins." (Oct/Nov 2008) 91 points Stephen Tanzers International Wine Cellar: "Medium ruby-red. Currant, tobacco and menthol on the nose: classic Oakville cabernet. Then broad, lush and sweet, with very ripe flavors of plum, currant, chocolate and tobacco nicely lifted by minerality. Finishes broad, with huge but ripe tannins and noteworthy length. I find this fresher and less extreme than the Stag's Leap bottling." (May/June '09) Since 2002 the Robert Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville District has been one of the best cabernets in Napa Valley dollar-for-dollar. 79% its grapes are sourced from the famed To Kalon vineyard, while the remaining fruit comes from nearby vineyards on the Oakville Bench. It's a blend of 89% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Cabernet Franc, 3% Petit Verdot and 1% each Malbec and Merlot, aged in French oak barrels for 18 months. Seductive nose of juicy berries, violets, earth and black truffles. On the palate the wine displays the tell-tale Oakville flavors of blackberry, plum, black olive and chocolate nuances. There is excellent balance, structure and harmony here with enough oak to give it a rich, subtle flavor without overwhelming the layers of complexity.