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

Robert Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville District (Napa Valley) 1998

When last noted in 10/06, I wrote that I expected “to give [the last bottle in my cellar] until 2008 to see what happens.” Given my recent run of bad luck with the 1998 vintage, I decided that I’d waited long enough. Unlike its Stags Leap stablemate, which was past it when last noted in 10/07, the Oakville was still quite drinkable. The fruit is pretty muted, but there’s still some attractive currant and dark berry flavors to be found. Having said that. however, there’s also more than a hint of volatile acidity on the finish, as well as an undertone that seems rather industrial, so drink up. Grade: C

Robert Parker’s drink by date of 2010 seems rather optimistic. I repeat, drink up. Right now.

The 1998s are now almost uniformly living down to the vintage’s poor reputation. I’ve got a handful of Cabernets, a Merlot, and a couple of meritage wines from that vintage left in my cellar and I plan to open them during the next 6-9 months. And I plan to have a backup bottle ready each time.