Does M stand for Mirage? Maybe, because we can hardly believe what’s before our eyes.

‘M’ by THE M. Mondavi!? What a sight! A dream for collectors everywhere – with 97 POINTS – at a price that’s equally unbelievable. Truly a rare breed, from Napa Valley’s most legendary winemaking family. We’re still in disbelief, to be honest.

And while it’s normally $200, today it’s priced like we wound the clock back twenty years!

Michael Mondavi’s grandparents, Cesare and Rosa, immigrated to America, landing in Lodi in 1921. Soon after they relocated to Napa Valley and set the foundation for what would become one of the greatest winemaking legacies in the world. Michael and his father Robert partnered in 1966 to establish Robert Mondavi Winery which they sold in 2004. And just a few years before, in 1999, Michael had set off on his own, to create a smaller, artisanal brand. Michael Mondavi Family Wines was born.

Then came the endorsement, by Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate nonetheless: “Former Mondavi CEO Michael Mondavi has his own boutique operation on Atlas Peak. It includes 17 acres planted on a hillside elevation of approximately 1,600 feet in volcanic white tufa. This site was once used as part of the blend for Opus One, but it is owned by Mondavi - who produces between 700 and 1,000 cases. This is, for the most part, a European, Bordeaux-styled wine, with more structure and firmness than many Napa Cabernets display in their youth.”

M by Michael Mondavi represents the pinnacle of his winemaking efforts. He puts all his focus into one wine, the “crème de la crème” if you will. It’s a proprietary blend, anchored with Cabernet Sauvignon (60%) and Cabernet Franc (20%), Merlot (16%), and Petite Verdot (4%). In the glass, it delivers a tour de force of blackberry liqueur, roasted plum, mocha, sweet tobacco, and a hint of Christmas fruitcake. It shows incredible depth, precision, and balance, with a dusty, sweet finish that lingers forever. This beast needs time, so decant for a few hours, and if you hold off a few more years, a bigger reward awaits.

We have a handful of cases to spare and like a mirage, this will vanish in a matter of MINUTES.

97 Points – James Suckling

“Classy Cabernet characters with red chili pepper, cassis, and tobacco with some cocoa powder, incense, and fine spices to the ripe plum and blackberries. Refined and precise, with a medium to full body teeming with blackberries. A natural, supple acidity is rounded by plenty of dusty tannins. Loads of blackberries and blackcurrants with graphite. Some orange peel and floral essence, too. Shows restraint and elegance in its long, subtle finish.”