1995 Robert Mondavi Pinot Noir Reserve

The 1995 Pinot Noir Reserve is excellent, possibly outstanding. It does not display the sweet, expansive texture and layers of fruit found in the finest Pinot Noirs, but it is a well-crafted, deep ruby-colored, medium-bodied wine with good spice, smoke, earth, and berry-like flavors. Only the slightly clipped and compact texture is a let-down. It will drink well for 5-6 years. Overall, the 1993 to 1995 Pinot Noir Reserves are very good to excellent Pinot Noirs that will provide readers with considerable enjoyment. All of them should be drunk younger rather than older. The Mondavis and their talented winemaking team have done many experiments with multiple clones of Pinot Noir, as well as different methods of vinification. The results have consistently been good to excellent, and occasionally outstanding. Yet, they do not receive the accolades enjoyed by America's top half dozen or so Pinot Noir producers. That being said, 1996 barrel samples looked so impressive that this vintage could push Mondavi into the top echelon of artisanal, handcrafted Pinot Noir producers in California. Tel. (707) 259-9463 and (800) MONDAVI; Fax (707) 963-1007