Robert Mondavi Pinot Noir Carneros 2005
Many people just getting into wine find their way to Robert Mondavi — particularly the under-$10 bottles tabbed “Private Selection” and the soda-pop formulas packaged under the Woodbridge label.
As such, I’ve avoided everything “Mondavi” on the priniciple that if its made by a mass production giant, it can’t be good.
But then, that would make ME a snob, wouldn’t it? And we can’t have that.
So herewith a review of Robert Mondavi Pinot Noir – Carneros, part of the entry level line of the “serious” Mondavi wines.
Open nose filled with forward, ripe raspberry fruit, touch of spice, and hint of earth. Smooth texture on the palate, with slightly green / unripe red berry fruit showing upfront. A good dose of spice and mild sweet earth arrives in the midpalate to even out the flavor, followed by mild tannins and decent acidity that carries the wine through the finish. The intent of this wine seems to be somewhere between Burgundian and New World in character, and if that’s the case then the wine is a success. It has just enough upfront fruit and spice to please a New World palate, yet also harks back to Old World Pinot Noir. It may benefit from a year in the cellar — but don’t hold it for more than that. Polished and clean, with a pleasant aftertaste, and enough structure to be compatible with lean dishes. Try it with mildly seasoned chicken and pork chops, fish (salmon, trout, snapper), turkey, and vegetarian dishes (lentils and other legumes). Aside from the low-production beauties from esoteric producers, it will be difficult to find a better Pinot Noir at this price point.
a-8 t-7 b-8 fc-7 v-7 ~ 87 Points
Winery website: Robert Mondavi
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