1999 Robert Mondavi "Reserve" Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

SKU #998239 95 points Wine Enthusiast

68% To Kalon. Young. Cigar ash nose, blackberries, oak. A big, firm, assertive wine, fairly tannic. Scads of juicy cherries and blackberries. Very fine, lots of character and elegance. Drinks well now with rich fare through 2020. *Cellar Selection* (6/2005)

95 points Wine Spectator

A superstar, amazingly pure, rich and explosive, with dense currant, blackberry and mocha flavors, revealing a persistent aftertaste.—Robert Mondavi vertical (December 2015). Drink now through 2022. (JL, Web Only-2016)

92 points Vinous

Healthy dark red. Musky aromas of dark raspberry, sexy oak, cocoa powder, cured tobacco and leather. Not hugely fleshy or sweet but velvety and fine-grained, offering an attractive balance of sweet fruit and herbal elements. In the distinctly European style of the vintage, showing lovely energy, clarity and cut. Finishes suave and firm, with a broad dusting of tannins and very good subtle length. (14.1% alcohol) (ST) (5/2019)

Jancis Robinson

Herbal and floral aromatics with accents of gun metal and lots of pleasing freshness. The palate carries a stunning balance of dried herbs, gun metal, black olive and nicely integrated spice through mixed fruit on a backbone of dry, fine tannins and mouth-watering acidity. There is nice density throughout the full length of the palate, all the way to an extended finish. While the 1998 echoes with a sense of Médoc, the 1999 is distinctly Napa Valley. (ECB) 18.5/20 points (4/2016)