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)

91 points Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar

Good bright ruby. Complex nose combines currant, black raspberry, tobacco, bitter chocolate and violet, all lifted by enticing sweet oak tones. Dense and sweet but fresh. This has a creamy texture I miss in most of this winery's other '99 reds, without any loss of precision. (ST) 91+ (6/2002)

90 points Vinous

(14.1%; 68% To Kalon; this and previous vintages were made in stainless steel tanks--and without the benefit of a sorting table): Dark ruby-red. Old World scents of black cherry, licorice, pepper and herbs convey the cool aspect of this vintage. Vinous and energetic, displaying strong peppery intensity to the dark berry, licorice and herb flavors. More spine than flesh here--and distinctly old school. Finishes firmly tannic and persistent. There's no rush to drink this brisk Cabernet. (ST) (5/2016)

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. 18.5/20 points. (ECB) (4/2016)

K&L Notes

94 points Wine Spectator: "An enormously complex and sophisticated wine that combines great flavors with uncommon finesse. Dark, sleek, rich and polished, with a delicious core of concentrated cola, currant, plum and blackberry. Tremendous finish. *Top 100 Wines of 2002* (JL)" (06/2002) 96 points Wine Enthusiast: "This flagship wine shows impeccable balance and finesse. It's well put together, as the couture people say, and drips with lavish, minty French oak. Soft tannins add interest as well as ageability. The wine is not lavishly fruity; instead, the flavors are consciously restrained and subtle. Very high quality, and worth holding through 2010." *Editor's Choice* (11/2002)