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

Robert Mondavi Oakville District Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley) 1997

Delicious. Still a big wine, whose color remains quite a dark ruby-purple, but it's very drinkable now. A strong bouquet that suggests the humidor and dark fruit. Deep leather, cedar, cassis, and mocha java flavors. In sum, Bordeaux flavors with California power.

It will continue improving for some years and probably will last two or more decades if properly cellared. I bought 8 bottles at the winery on release @ $27/bottle, which makes it one of the great bargains in my cellar. (The starting bid for this wine at Winebid.com today was $60.) Grade: A

Last noted: October 2003