Wine Review: Building a legacy in the wine industry

In every endeavor of human life, there are individuals whose name stands out and are very widely known for the deeds that they accomplished – names such as Henry Ford for mass production, Abraham Lincoln and George Washington for government, Wernher von Braun for rocketry, Albert Einstein for the understanding of the universe and so many more.

In the field of wine, there are also names of people that are held in great distinction. We all know of Dom Perignon, who is credited with the discovery of sparkling wines, and Louis Pasteur, who identified yeast as the instrument of fermentation. Here in the United States, one name that stands out is that of Robert Mondavi, a man who helped to put California wines in the position of honor that they currently enjoy while keeping his wines true to their flavor and aroma in the easily affordable range.

This was not an easy task. After the poor-quality wines that came out of California just after the end of Prohibition, all of the state’s wines were considered to be of poor quality, and thus they languished, unsold on dealer's shelves. Mondavi’s winery, however, was producing excellent wines, and he set out to prove that California wines were, at the least, the equal to foreign wine competitors and, in the judgment of many experts, better. Although Mondavi is no longer with us, the winery he established is still turning out wines that would have made him proud.

Robert Mondavi Private 2023 Selection Cabernet Sauvignon ($9)
All of the interesting and enticing flavors found in far more costly cabernet sauvignon wines are present in this wine. A deep garnet color introduces a wine of depth, flavor, warmth and finesse, opening with a pronounced pomegranate and licorice aroma. The flavor of berries, ripe cherries and cassis are underscored by gentle oak. The finish is long and is a prime example of a near-perfect cab that is still affordable.

Robert Mondavi 2023 Bourbon Barrel-Aged Cabernet Sauvignon ($13)
What does a vintner do to make an already interesting cabernet sauvignon even more interesting? The answer is to age a portion of the wine in used bourbon barrels, an action that allows some of the flavors of the bourbon to merge with the wine, adding a new layer of enjoyment to an already enjoyable wine. The bourbon flavors that are locked in the staves of the barrel, when married with the wine, add no extra alcohol to the wine nor any overly specific flavor but rather a series of what could best be described as the suggestions of oak, vanilla and a hint of smoke that trails off to an enjoyable finish.

Robert Mondavi Private Reserve 2023 Selection Chardonnay ($10)
At a time when chardonnay wines are becoming mundane, the Robert Mondavi 2023 Private Selection Chardonnay is a refreshing view of an old standard. This wine displays an up-front and obvious full-fruit aroma that features apple, melon, citrus and tropical fruits that continue on to the finish. I believe that this chardonnay will impress even the most critical of experts but more importantly any lover of chardonnay wine.

Robert Mondavi Private Reserve 2023 Buttery Chardonnay ($9)
Each and every producer of chardonnay wines tries to achieve the fabled buttery finish, but only a very few ever achieve it. Here we have a chardonnay that not only achieves it but brags about achieving it right there on the label. The aroma of this wine is overflowing with vanilla, melon, clove, honey and spice. The flavor prominently displays apple, orange blossom and vanilla before ending in that label-announced buttery finish. If the reader has never experienced the much-sought-after buttery finish, this is a chance to do so at an affordable price.

Wine columnist Bennet Bodenstein can be reached at frojhe1@att.net.