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

Robert Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley) 1998

1998 was not a great year in California, thanks to El Nino, but some decent reds were made anyway. This Mondavi is among the better 98 cabs I've tasted. Medium garnet. Huge nose - a blast of ever-so-slightly musky cedar followed by blackberries and earthy tobacco. The palate is more restrained, but offers velvety blackcurrants, bell peppers, and herbs. Probably at the top of the hill, so drink up. Also, I found it a bit astringent on its own, it was much better with food, for whatever that's worth. Grade: B+