Mondavi 2012 Cabernet: Basking in the fall sun

If you happened to be touring in the Napa Valley during late October 2012, you may remember the beautiful fall touring weather plus the sounds & scents of a well-timed harvest. And if you were out looking at the vineyards, it was easy to see that the Cabernet Sauvignon grapes were brought in late, but they were full and rich.

This was one of those years of great yields when just about every vat that could hold grapes was brought into play! But the warm sun had done its job right when needed, making the fruit rich and full. The Robert Mondavi Winery was ready to take advantage of the nearly perfect conditions with a lot of storage, pulled out the stops, and got the best of the best into production.

In the end, most of Mondavi’s Cabernet fruit was harvested in a very orderly manner, getting the most of the rich full character that they are known for. Now, the 2012 vintage is showing off its stuff in the glass with a lot of richness to savor.

With a bouquet that starts with ripe plum followed by vanilla and dark cherry, this wine is interesting but not too forward. Its body of well-defined spice, a little more cherry, soft fine tannins, and balanced acidity/bitterness makes it a good paring companion for broiled meats. It even works well with a New York strip or prime rib. As usual, Mondavi knows how to please the palate and mind the budget.

You can pick up Mondavi’s 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon at Phoenix area Total Wine stores, Fry’s and Safeway for under $20. They often go on sale for a few $$ off, so shop around. Most of the 2011’s should be moved out by now, but if you find one, you may notice it to be a little more tannic, but still very similar.