The '01 Mondavi Oakville has popped-up on the grid @$29. Any impressions, thoughts or rumors?
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Steve Tanzer gave it 92 points, which in my view is a very impressive score from him, particularly for a CalCab. Here are his notes:
quote:
Good full ruby. Cool, complex aromas of black fruits, bitter chocolate, violet, licorice and espresso. Sweet and lush but also quite vibrant, with captivating flavors of cassis, minerals and mint. Finishes with big, horizontal tannins and excellent persistence. More suave and harmonious today than the young 2002.
Oops. I forgot to add that Parker gave it 90 points and noted:
At that price, sounds like a buy to me!
quote:
Readers looking for power and muscle should check out the 2001 Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville. A blend of 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc, and the rest Malbec and Petit Verdot, its deep ruby/purple color is followed by a classic bouquet of creme de cassis, tobacco leaf, sweet chocolate, and Asian spices. There is impressive fruit on the attack, good breadth, and plenty of muscle and tannin. Give it 4-5 years of cellaring, and drink it over the following 15-16.
At that price, sounds like a buy to me!
Thanx, Slan! I'm having the '01 tomorrow night.
I had this tonight. At $29 for the Oakville I was actually quite impressed. I would say Parker and Tanzer are right on the money...90-92 pts. It's got some nice violet, anise, creme de casis, and chocolate nuances. It also has a ton of mouthpuckering tannins, and low acid. Probably one of the most tannic wines I've had recently, and of the '01 vintage. It's definitely head and shoulders above the regular $18 Napa bottling.
Cheers,
-DRAB
Cheers,
-DRAB
The sad thing is, this wine sells for almost C$80 here, which is about US$65. I don't mind paying that if I'm getting good value, but at these prices I feel I can do better so I haven't tried it.
quote:
Originally posted by Slan:
The sad thing is, this wine sells for almost C$80 here, which is about US$65. I don't mind paying that if I'm getting good value, but at these prices I feel I can do better so I haven't tried it.
WOW
$65 is more than I paid for 01' Mondavi Rsrv Cab! I think I paid $59.95 for the Rsrv several months ago.
The reserve goes for C$150 (about US$120). We really get screwed here due to our government monopoly, particularly on CalCabs.
Well,Drab,
After reading your note I had to try this bottle and I completely agree. This wine is built, and certainly tannic,but already showing a muscular present, and a more nuanced future. Really deep, with big fruit and plummy, black cherry and mocha shadings,it isn't overly corpulant either. I think this is one to buy and lay down for near term improvement;in my mind,a definite prospect.
After reading your note I had to try this bottle and I completely agree. This wine is built, and certainly tannic,but already showing a muscular present, and a more nuanced future. Really deep, with big fruit and plummy, black cherry and mocha shadings,it isn't overly corpulant either. I think this is one to buy and lay down for near term improvement;in my mind,a definite prospect.
Thanks for the commentary Mr. Sociando!
I noticed you'll be at the Jan. 29th dinner. Look forward to seeing you there!
Cheers,
-DRAB
I noticed you'll be at the Jan. 29th dinner. Look forward to seeing you there!
Cheers,
-DRAB
thanks for sharing that thread. whqt is with the WS review on this wine? 
I just think James Laube was having some sort of fit: I'm not sure what kind!
Had the '97 Oakville Friday night. It was good, but would have been over-priced at above $30. Don't recall what I paid for it.