Robert Mondavi Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2022

Winery Background and History

Robert Mondavi Winery, founded in 1966 in Oakville, Napa Valley, transformed Californian winemaking with its visionary practices—introducing varietal labeling, modern cellar techniques, and global wine standards. The estate, built on the prestigious To Kalon land, continues Mondavi’s legacy of innovation in both quality and accessibility, setting benchmarks across Napa’s evolving landscape. 

Producer and Wine Maker

Produced by Robert Mondavi Winery, this Napa Valley Cabernet blends fruit from diverse sub-regions—primarily St. Helena, Carneros, and Wappo Hill in Stags Leap—rifining a style that balances ripe power with structure. The estate’s winemaking philosophy integrates tradition with fresh regional expression. 

Vineyards and Micro Climate

Grapes for this Cabernet are sourced from across Napa Valley, from cooler Carneros to the warmer Stags Leap, delivering a spectrum of fruit characteristics. The microclimates along these zones—with fog-cooled valleys, hillside sun, and well-drained soils—produce Cabernet with both aromatic finesse and structural complexity. 

Vinification & Aging Methods

Vinification typically begins with a cold soak in stainless steel, followed by extended maceration (about 26 days on skins). The wine is then aged for 18 months in French oak barrels, approximately 31 % of which are new, providing structure and refined oak integration. 

Tasting Notes

The 2022 offers powerful kirsch aromas, bright Bing cherry, warm baking spices, fresh cedar, and white pepper. On the palate, it’s plush and layered, with dark fruit, firm tannins, and a long finish featuring red and black fruit, spice, and mineral tension—a bold yet polished Napa Cabernet. 

Food & Wine Pairing

While not formally detailed, this robust and structured Cabernet is ideal with grilled or roasted lamb, ribeye, aged hard cheeses, mushroom-infused dishes, and hearty stews—pairings that match the wine’s depth and tannic structure.

Service Methods and Temperatures

Serve at 16–18 °C (61–64 °F) in a large Bordeaux-style glass. Decanting for 30–60 minutes will help integrate aromas and soften tannins. Re-cork and refrigerate if not finished—will hold vibrancy for up to 2 days.

Storage and Aging Potential

This wine is built for medium-term aging. With its structure and fruit concentration, expect it to evolve beautifully over 5–8 years; optimal drinking window likely between 2026–2030 under proper cellaring conditions.

Grape Varietals & Percentage Used

Primarily Cabernet Sauvignon, with small additions of other Bordeaux varietals—estimated around 4 % Petit Verdot and 2 % Cabernet Franc.