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

A reader question re the 1996 Mondavi

A reader writes in with a good question, and some very kind words:

Subject: 1996 Robert Mondavi Cab Sauv

Just read your review from this year and last (what a useful blog!)--being that I was poor student when I bought it, I have exactly one bottle of this wine--not the reserve from that year, the regular, and the Napa Valley--and I've been on pins and needles trying to decide when to open it. I read that it was better last year than this year; should I just go for it and crack it open?

Thanks so much for your blog.

Unless you have impeccable storage conditions (constant 55 degree temp and 60-70% humidity), I would crack it before the end of the year. I bought half a case when it was released, which are stored in a temperature and humidity controlled facility. Even so, I plan to drink up most of the reminder in roughly 2006-08. Then I'll put one last bottle in the deepest and coldest part of my cellar and try it at age 15 or so.

FYI: California wine writer Bob Thompson used to say that prime drinking age for good quality Napa cabernet was 8 to 15 years of age, which has always struck me as being about right.