Robert Mondavi Private Selection Bourbon Barrel Aged Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
- 89
- $25
- Drink by: 2021 - 2025
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The wines of Robert Mondavi need little introduction, such is the Californian wineries reputation in the historical timeline of American fine wine. That said, I often cast a wary sideways glance at wines with ‘special’ oak barrels on their labels. I needn’t have shown concern as the wine shows plentiful fruit horsepower to balance out any overt oak influence.
Red/purple in the glass, the initial aromas are of ripe blackberry and blueberry fruits and you guessed it; creamy, spicy oak making its presence felt.The fruit intensity ramps up on the palate, again with ripe berry fruits, dark chocolate, black olive tapenade, baking spice and wafts of spicy robust oak, plentiful ripe, fine-grained tannins for structure and a finish that lingers nicely. Lovely drinking now and will cellar well over the medium-term.
Dave Brookes is a freelance wine journalist contributing to Australian Gourmet Traveller WINE, Wine Companion and Selector magazines. His work has appeared in The Adelaide Review, Wine Enthusiast, Wine & Spirits and Cuisine magazines and Dave has also worked with Fairfax media, Emirates and Qantas. Originally from North Canterbury, New Zealand, Dave lived in the Barossa for many years before relocating to the north coast of NSW. With 26 years in the wine industry his experience spans retail, wholesale, winery, secondary market and brand management. David was awarded Dux of the prestigious Len Evans Tutorial in 2011 and is a sought-after judge on the Australian and international wine show circuit judging at around 10 major and regional wine shows a year. He is currently panel chair at several influential capital city wine shows in Australia, chairman of the NSW Wine Awards and Margaret River Wine show and Chief Editor of the Wine 100 Challenge in Shanghai and Beijing Fanshang Wine & Food Competition.
