Robert Mondavi Vint Private Selection Chardonnay 2024

Winery Background and History

Robert Mondavi Winery was founded in 1966 in Napa Valley by Robert Mondavi, a pioneer of modern American winemaking. His vision was to craft wines that could compete with the best from Europe while expressing the unique character of California’s terroirs. The Private Selection line was introduced in the 1990s to make premium, approachable wines from coastal vineyards more widely available. Known for blending innovation with tradition, Mondavi established practices like oak barrel fermentation and cool-climate sourcing. Today, the Private Selection continues to reflect this legacy, offering varietally expressive wines that balance fruit purity, elegance, and affordability for everyday enjoyment

Producer and Wine Maker

This wine is produced by the Robert Mondavi Private Selection winemaking team. The collective expertise of the team ensures that every bottling maintains a consistent balance between fruit character and oak integration. The winemakers focus on fruit from California’s coastal vineyards, which provide the freshness and vibrancy desired for Chardonnay. Their philosophy emphasizes creating wines that are fruit-forward and approachable, while subtle oak influence adds depth. Though the head winemaker’s name isn’t publicized, the team continues to execute Robert Mondavi’s original mission: to highlight California terroir with accessible, quality-driven wines that are as suitable for casual gatherings as for refined dining

Vineyards and Micro Climate

The grapes for this Chardonnay are sourced from vineyards along California’s Central Coast, with Monterey County as the primary source. The vineyards are strongly influenced by the nearby Pacific Ocean, where cool breezes and morning fog slow grape ripening, extending the growing season. This allows Chardonnay to develop expressive citrus, apple, and stone fruit flavors while retaining natural acidity. The soils are primarily sandy loam with good drainage, which stresses the vines just enough to concentrate flavors. These coastal conditions produce a Chardonnay with balance, freshness, and layered aromatics, offering a stylistic harmony of ripe fruit and crisp acidity

Vinification & Aging Methods

Fermentation takes place in a combination of stainless steel and oak barrels, allowing fruit purity to remain intact while gaining depth from oak contact. Partial malolactic fermentation is encouraged to add a creamy texture, balancing acidity with a rounded mouthfeel. The wine is then aged for several months in a mix of French and American oak barrels, some new and some neutral, imparting subtle vanilla, baking spice, and toasty notes. Lees stirring is occasionally employed to enhance body and complexity. The overall approach is designed to produce a Chardonnay that is vibrant, layered, and approachable, with richness yet freshness

Tasting Notes

The wine displays a pale golden hue. Aromas reveal ripe apple, pear, lemon zest, and white peach, complemented by vanilla, butter, and toasted oak. On the palate, it is medium-bodied with a smooth, creamy texture balanced by lively acidity. Flavors of pineapple, citrus, and stone fruit are enriched with hints of caramel and spice from oak aging. The finish is clean yet persistent, carrying notes of citrus zest, subtle minerality, and a touch of vanilla. This Chardonnay balances California ripeness with coastal freshness, offering both vibrancy and richness for those who enjoy a rounded yet fruit-forward style

Food & Wine Pairing

This Chardonnay pairs well with a wide range of dishes due to its balance of fruit, oak, and acidity. It complements roasted chicken, grilled salmon, creamy pasta dishes, and risottos. Seafood dishes like scallops or lobster with butter sauce pair beautifully, as do vegetarian options like butternut squash risotto or roasted cauliflower. Soft cheeses such as Brie, Camembert, or triple-cream cheeses also work well. The wine’s acidity balances creamy and rich dishes, while its fruit and oak layers add depth to lighter proteins. Its versatility makes it a strong choice for both everyday meals and special-occasion dining

Service Methods and Temperatures

Serve chilled at around 10–12 °C (50–54 °F) in a medium-sized white wine glass. This temperature preserves freshness and bright aromatics while allowing creamy and oak-driven notes to emerge as the wine warms slightly in the glass. Avoid serving it too cold, as that can mute the fruit and oak complexity. No decanting is necessary, but pouring it into a proper glass with a slightly larger bowl helps emphasize aromas. This Chardonnay is ready to drink upon release and is best enjoyed with food to fully appreciate its balance of freshness, fruit, and subtle barrel influences

Storage and Aging Potential

This wine is intended for early enjoyment, showcasing its fresh fruit and oak-driven complexity within the first few years of release. Properly stored in a cool, dark, and stable environment, it can hold its character for 2–4 years. With short-term aging, the fruit may soften while creamy and toasty notes from oak become more integrated. However, it is not designed for long-term cellaring, as extended storage could diminish its vibrancy and fruit expression. For the best experience, it is recommended to enjoy this Chardonnay while it retains its freshness, balance, and expressive coastal California character

Grape Varietals & percentage used

100% Chardonnay

ABV (Alcohol by Volume)

13.5%