Professor Bainbridge...on law, politics, religion, culture & food

Robert Mondavi Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley) 1997

Wow. An outstanding cabernet. A deep garnet showing all the way out the rim. A very bright and attractive purple-ruby hue, which looks remarkably young. The nose is sweet and ripe, although a bit closed. (On the other hand, I'm mildly allergic to pine and the good wife got a little carried away with the swag this year. So maybe its me.) Precision is the mot juste for the palate - a firm backbone of herbs and minerals fleshed out with classic cabernet flavors of currants, tobacco, vanilla, and anise. Supple tannins permit drinking now, but are still sufficient in quantity to assure another decade - or more - of aging. On the finish, the laser-like precision of the entry softens into an almost jammy collection of dark fruits. In sum, this is one of those wines that remind you why cabernet is the king of grapes. Grade: A