Robert Mondavi Vint Private Selection Pinot Noir 2023

Winery Background and History

Robert Mondavi Winery was established in 1966 in Napa Valley and is considered one of the most influential producers in American wine history. Robert Mondavi’s vision was to craft wines that could stand alongside the great wines of Europe, leading the way with varietal labeling, new winemaking technologies, and a focus on California’s unique terroirs. The Private Selection line was introduced in the 1990s, designed to make approachable yet high-quality wines sourced from coastal vineyards. This series showcases California’s diverse microclimates while maintaining the Mondavi philosophy of balance, innovation, and accessibility to a wide audience of wine lovers

Producer and Wine Maker

The Private Selection Pinot Noir is produced by the Robert Mondavi Private Selection winemaking team, which carries forward the founder’s legacy of innovation and commitment to quality. While Robert Mondavi himself passed away in 2008, his influence remains evident in every bottling. The current winemaking team carefully balances varietal character with oak treatment to create wines that are fruit-forward, smooth, and approachable. Their philosophy emphasizes using the best coastal vineyards, modern cellar practices, and subtle oak influence to maintain both quality and consistency across vintages, appealing to both casual drinkers and enthusiasts alike

Vineyards and Micro Climate

The fruit for this Pinot Noir is sourced from California’s Central Coast, particularly vineyards in Monterey County. The proximity to the Pacific Ocean ensures a cool maritime climate, with morning fog and afternoon winds that slow ripening. This allows Pinot Noir to develop its delicate aromatics and nuanced flavors while maintaining natural acidity. The soils in Monterey are a mix of sandy loam and decomposed granite, providing excellent drainage and moderate fertility. These conditions produce grapes with bright red fruit, floral aromatics, and a fine balance between ripeness and freshness, ideal for crafting an expressive and supple Pinot Noir

Vinification & Aging Methods

The winemaking process begins with careful hand-harvesting of the Pinot Noir grapes, followed by gentle destemming and fermentation in stainless steel tanks to preserve fruit purity. A portion of the wine is aged in French and American oak barrels, adding layers of spice, vanilla, and soft tannins. The oak influence is deliberately restrained so as not to overpower the delicate fruit and floral characteristics of Pinot Noir. This balance between fruit expression and subtle barrel integration results in a wine that is smooth, polished, and true to varietal identity, while also delivering the richness expected from California Pinot Noir

Tasting Notes

In the glass, the wine shows a bright ruby red color. Aromas open with ripe cherry, raspberry, and strawberry, intertwined with subtle rose petal and spice. On the palate, it is medium-bodied with silky tannins and fresh acidity. Flavors of red plum, cranberry, and pomegranate dominate, supported by hints of vanilla, toasted oak, and baking spice from barrel aging. The texture is smooth and supple, with a long, elegant finish that balances fruit brightness and gentle oak sweetness. This wine reflects both the varietal delicacy of Pinot Noir and the ripeness of California’s Central Coast terroir

Food & Wine Pairing

This Pinot Noir pairs beautifully with a wide range of dishes thanks to its medium body and bright acidity. It is an excellent match for roast chicken, grilled salmon, and pork tenderloin, as well as vegetarian dishes like mushroom risotto or roasted root vegetables. The wine’s red fruit and spice notes also complement charcuterie boards, soft cheeses such as Brie and Camembert, and even lighter pastas with tomato-based sauces. Its versatility makes it a perfect wine for casual meals or more refined dining, enhancing the flavors of both delicate and moderately rich foods with elegance and balance

Service Methods and Temperatures

The wine is best served slightly cool, at around 15–16 °C (59–61 °F), to highlight its fruit vibrancy and delicate aromas. It should be poured into a Burgundy or tulip-shaped Pinot Noir glass to allow the bouquet to open fully. A brief decant of 15 minutes can help soften the tannins and integrate the oak influence, although it is not strictly necessary for this style. This wine is intended for immediate enjoyment, so serving it fresh and at the correct temperature ensures the balance of fruit, acidity, and oak is presented at its most expressive

Storage and Aging Potential

This Pinot Noir is crafted for early consumption, showcasing vibrant fruit and supple tannins. Under proper storage conditions—cool, dark, and stable—it can maintain quality for up to 3 years after release. With short-term aging, the wine may gain added integration of fruit and oak elements, but it is unlikely to develop significant complexity over a long period due to its fruit-forward style. Best enjoyed young to capture its freshness and varietal expression, though it can provide enjoyable drinking for a few years if carefully cellared in consistent conditions

Grape Varietals & percentage used

100% Pinot Noir

ABV (Alcohol by Volume)

13.5%