I’ve been big fan of Mondavi Reserve Cabernet’s, especially the early vintages.  The 70,74,78,87 vintages were some of my favorites.  In the 90’s the Mondavi Reserve Cabernet’s started lacking the power and finesse of those earlier vintages.  I started passing on buying them until I tasted the 2004 vintage.  WOW, what a beautiful Cabernet.   It was full bodied, very rich, velvety, and like those older vintages, this ‘04 reserve cabernet has a deep dark color signaling the wine’s depth of flavor and opulent texture.  Aromas of blackberry and black fruits with hints of cedar, black licorice and spicy nutmeg and clove lead to dense flavors of blackberry and black plum.  The flavors are enhanced by elegantly powerful yet polished tannins.  This is also the last vintage the Mondavi family was involved with in wine making.  I feel ‘04 reserve cabernet will be a collectors wine.  I think it will also go up in price very soon.

The 2004 vintage was a warm dry spring followed a moderately rainy winter, giving an early start to the 2004 growing season. Unseasonably warm temperatures in March initiated early bud break and all varieties bloomed in May at least week ahead of the usual schedule. Total rainfall was higher than average, though rains virtually ended by March.  Temperatures throughout summer were relatively mild, with Napa Valley’s famous fog lingering over the vineyards until late morning.  These conditions, which continued thought most of the harvest season, fostered high quality grapes.  WS Rating 95pts  Lee’s Rating (my rating) 96pts