Without the influence of Robert Mondavi Napa Valley would still be a world-class wine region, but it wouldn’t be the same as it is today.  While his eponymous winery sold to a large corporation more than a decade ago, the wine making team there strives to assure that Mr. Mondavi’s influence and philosophy live on today.  Joe Harden is responsible for making the Bordeaux wine varieties for Robert Mondavi Winery. A former pro basketball player, Harden grew up in Lodi, the son of wine grape growers, who sold grapes to Mondavi. Upon leaving the hard court he returned to the world of wine and landed an internship, which turned into a job as winemaker, at Robert Mondavi. Even though he’s a young man, the responsibility of maintaining the tradition of Robert Mondavi does not escape Harden, and he’s making some fabulous wines from Mondavi’s To Kalon and other great vineyards.

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Winemaker Joe Harden
Joe Harden, Winemaker, Robert Mondavi Winery

RMW_FumeBlanc_Reserve_2014

2014 Robert Mondavi Winery Reserve To Kalon Vineyard Fumé Blanc

Aromas of white flowers, green apple and light citrus, with a touch of passion fruit, cream fraiche.  The medium textured wine has a restrained elegant complexity with flavors of lemon, tangerine, with a supportive salinity and a touch of spice on the long finish.

 

SRP: $52

 

 

2014 RMW Maestro 750ml Bottle Shot2014 Robert Mondavi Winery Maestro, Red Blend, Napa Valley

This Bright garnet wine is named as a tribute to Robert Mondavi. It presents  forward aromas of jammy red fruit, spice box, oak and eucalyptus. Although the nose is forward the flavors are elegant showing fresh red berries, plum, and violet, bright orangey acidity, cola notes, silky tannins and a long lingering finish.

 

SRP:  $50

 

RMW_Reserve_CabSauv_750ml_20142014 Robert Mondavi Winery The Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, To Kalon, Oakville, Napa Valley

(Pre-release tasting) From the historic To Kalon Vineyard, this wine has a restrained and elegant nose leading with an earthy aroma combined with cocoa, coffee and a pronounce minerality. In the mouth this super young wine has a grippy, in your face, tannin structure made for aging that’s balance out by bright acidity. Delicious dark fruits hides behind the big structure waiting to time to reveal itself in time. This wine needs five to ten years, but  is sure to become harmonious, balanced, and for those with patience to wait, a true Napa Valley classic from a dream vintage.

SRP: $172.50