Unfiltered Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon (1990)

About this wine

The 1990 Robert Mondavi Unfiltered Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley offers a deep ruby color and a complex bouquet of blackcurrant, cherry, and hints of vanilla. On the palate, it presents a full-bodied experience with flavors of ripe black fruits, warm oak spice, and a touch of chocolate, leading to a long, smooth finish. This wine showcases the classic characteristics of Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, with its rich fruit profile and well-integrated tannins. Notably, the 1990 vintage was marked by favorable weather conditions, contributing to the wine's exceptional balance and aging potential. As it has matured, this wine has developed additional layers of complexity, making it a standout example of its vintage.

About the grape

Cabernet Sauvignon, a grape variety that emerged in 17th-century France from a natural cross between Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc, is renowned for its thick skins and hardy vines, making it well-suited to various climates. In Napa Valley, Robert Mondavi recognized the potential of this grape, particularly in the To Kalon Vineyard, which he selected as the home for his winery in 1966. Mondavi's innovative techniques, such as using French oak barrels and temperature-controlled fermentation, helped elevate the quality of Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, bringing it to international prominence.

Quick facts

• 🍒 The 1990 Robert Mondavi Unfiltered Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon is renowned for its rich flavors of cherry, purple plum, sage, sandalwood, mint, and vanilla bean, offering a complex and aromatic profile.
• 🍇 This vintage was produced using grapes from the esteemed To Kalon Vineyard, a historic site in Napa Valley known for yielding high-quality Cabernet Sauvignon.
• 🪵 The 1990 vintage was aged in French oak barrels, imparting subtle oak spices and enhancing the wine's depth and complexity.
• 🍷 Unfiltered wines like this one retain more of their natural flavors and textures, offering a fuller and more authentic tasting experience.
• 🤝 Robert Mondavi's collaboration with Baron Philippe de Rothschild led to the creation of Opus One, a pioneering Napa Valley wine that blends New World innovation with Old World tradition.

Palate profile

Producer

Robert Mondavi Winery, established in 1966 in Oakville, California, was the first major winery built in Napa Valley after Prohibition. Robert Mondavi's vision was to produce wines that could rival the finest European offerings, leading him to pioneer techniques such as cold fermentation, stainless steel tanks, and the use of French oak barrels. The winery is situated on the historic To Kalon Vineyard, renowned for its exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc grapes. Mondavi's efforts not only elevated the status of Napa Valley wines but also introduced wine as an integral part of American culture, blending it with food, art, and music.