Sunday, March 8, 2009

Robert Mondavi 2006 Vinetta (California)

This wine was chosen as more of a tribute to Robert than it was for any other reason. I had just come from a Riedel glass tasting lead by Maximilian Riedel himself. He told us all a story about how his father had met Robert Mondavi in California and converted the California icon to his glassware. Max had called it a "beautiful" story - I did not think it beautiful, cute maybe; but considering it was this meeting that introduced Riedel's stemware to a larger North American audience (as Mr. Mondavi turned his tasting room into a Riedel only winery), and made them a household name on this side of the pond, then I guess it is a beautiful story, if you're a Riedel. Now, the reason for the tribute to Robert was because part of the tasting's bonus was to walk away with your set of glasses (4 in total) - so I thought it appropriate to pay tribute to the men who introduce North America to fine wine in the right crystal glass. The wine chosen was Vinetta, which is the very first true Bordeaux blend made at the house of Mondavi; which means they use all five grapes. Made up primarily of Cabernet Sauvignon (72%) with some Merlot and Petit Verdot (10% each) and a smattering of Malbec and Franc. The wine tasted wonderful in the glass with lots of blackberry and spice - it was smooth and very enjoyable ... not much more to say - the preamble kinda wore me out.

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