If there’s one complaint we got on this site in 2012, it was the quantity of white wine reviews versus red wines. The red wine lovers have spoken and they felt under-served. So, let’s start off 2013 with a little balance and follow up my first white wine review with a red. And, let’s make it a 90+ scored wine!
While I’m putting this review out there to satisfy the demands of red wine drinkers, there are two things about the review that may make some scoff at it. 1) It’s a merlot. 2) It’s a Robert Mondavi.
Yep… there’s a segment of wine drinkers out there who have chosen to be merlot haters. And it’s an attitude driven by pop culture more than anything. All merlot isn’t bad, just because someone in a movie said it was bad. Sure, there are plenty of boring cheap ones out there, but you can also find some pretty tasty merlot that is worthy of your attention and your affection.
There’s also a segment of consumers who are anti-Mondavi. I’ve heard people make comments like, “it’s just Mondavi.” My hunch is that consumers who are anti-Mondavi believe that a “good” wine can only be one that you’ve never heard of. But the big producers can produce some good wines. I concede that Robert Mondavi wines include a broad range with varying levels of quality, some of which leave something to be desired. But they do have some wines that kick ass. And this is one of them.
So, if you have any prejudice against merlot or Robert Mondavi wines I challenge you to put those aside and just enjoy this delicious wine. The suggested retail price is $19.oo, but it can be found in some locations for as little as $10. Now that’s a bargain for a wine like this.
Powerful aromas of blueberry, tobacco, cherry and toasted oak grab your attention. One sniff will suggest that this is clearly a good wine, but on the palate this wine truly sings. The mouthfeel is silky and elegant and the flavors are perfectly balanced. It offers flavors like plum, blackberry and chocolate. The finish is long and luscious.
Wine: Robert Mondavi Napa Valley
Variety: Merlot
Vintage: 2009
Alcohol: 14.5%
Rating: 91
Price: $19.00
Find Robert Mondavi Napa Valley Merlot with Snooth
Disclosure: This wine was received as a media sample.