2008 Robert Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve***

I was also able to taste a bottle of the 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve, which now at age 10 has shed some baby fat yet still has a youthful, ripe, sexy personality. Offering up lots of black currants, tobacco, graphite, and leafy herb notes, it’s full-bodied, has sweet tannins, and is overall a rich, powerful wine that’s just now at the early stages of its drink window.

Mondavi's 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve is just beginning to enter its early plateau of maturity. Hints of smoke, leather, tobacco, incense and dried herbs are laced throughout. Still quite potent, the 2008 will drink well for another 15 years or more. Today, it comes across as very youthful and full of life.

(15.5% alcohol; 82% To Kalon): Bright, dark ruby. Very sexy, cool aromas of fresh black cherry, black olive and pepper. Suave and energetic, offering excellent energy and clarity of flavor, not to mention superb retention of dark berry fruit, along with pepper and balsamic nuances. Just a touch of torrefaction here to add another dimension. Finishes with firm but ripe tannins and excellent length. Hold this.