Wine Advocate #106

Aug 1996 Robert M. Parker, Jr. RATED 89 Drink: now

A strong showing for this offering from Mondavi, 1986 was a transitional year for the Mondavi philosophy of Cabernet Sauvignon winemaking. The unfiltered school of winemaking, which ended in 1974, resumed in 1987, yet had not taken full hold in 1986. Nevertheless, Mondavi had already moved away from the excessive manipulation and acidification practiced during the 1975-1985 era. The 1986 reveals a deep, ruby/garnet color with an opaque middle and vague lightening at the edge. The expressive bouquet offers up scents of jammy cassis, tobacco, and damp earth. Sweet and ripe, this full-bodied, soft, seamless, velvety-textured wine was tasting exceptionally well. Although fully mature, it is capable of lasting another 7-10 years. A very delicious, complex, elegant Cabernet.

The tasting notes for this section are from two single blind tastings, one conducted in May, 1996, in California, and the other in June, 1996, in Baltimore.

Merchantfinewine.com Notes –  tasted January 5th.  30 years old and this reserve cabernet is still dazzling.  On the nose, notes of dried figs, cedar and damp forest floor are cradled by delicate hints of ripe red fruits.  On the pallate, crisp red berries dominate the front, followed by a balanced minerality, finishing with a grilled meat and toasted oak on the finish.  This is a true testament that proper cellaring conditions are the only way to age a fine wine like this.  R. Parker tasted and rated this 89 points in 1996.  Two decades later, it is tasting with consistent notes!  WE Rated it at 91 points.