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

Robert Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve (Napa Valley) 1990

At age 18, inspection of the bottle offered worrisome signs, as there was evidence of minor seepage under the foil. Plus, the cork was deeply stained. As it turned out, however, the wine was truly exceptional.

It’s thrown an immense amount of sediment, requiring careful decanting and leaving the wine a medium intensity ruby color with just a hint of brick at the rim.

The bouquet is intense, offering classic fully mature Cabernet markers. Cedar, dried black fruits, tobacco, espresso, and nutmeg.

The palate is fruitier than the bouquet, although there’s plenty of cedar and leather too. Black currants, prunes, and plums.

The question is whether to drink my last bottle at age 20 or 25. I’m leaning towards the latter. I think it’s got enough stuffing left to keep going.

Grade: A