“It goes without saying that probably no one did more for the image, the quality, and the prestige of Napa Valley than Robert Mondavi. He was “the” ambassador for the region, and while he certainly lived to see its rise to glory and fame, I doubt that even he envisioned these remarkable wines that are now emanating in prolific quantities from this Shangri-La for growing grapes.” – Robert Parker, 2016

Times change, don’t they? Inflation, appreciation, scarcity… so imagine our shock when the folks of Mondavi released this super special library vertical of 2013, 2014, and 2015 (no dog years in there mind you!) - for a princely sum of $900.

If money were no object, that might be one thing. But even for die-hard collectors and industry-connected veterans like ourselves, that’s a tall ask. So we kept our ears to the ground, and patiently waited until the time was right to swoop in and cut a deal to bring these to you for MUCH cheaper.

Talk about peak drinking, these investor-grade blue-chip classics are just now hitting their perfect stride. Vinous was right for the 2013: “Decant this if you plan to open it in its youth - or, better yet, forget it in the cellar for six or seven years. This large-scaled but rather opaque wine is almost painful today but holds out considerable potential and may ultimately merit a significantly higher score.”

Speaking of scores, where does one begin? Multiple 95-97 ratings from critics left and right. For all three vintages. Can a vertical back to the 50th Anniversary get any sexier? Any hotter with 40% OFF?!

Back to Bob Parker, while we grab a Kleenex. “The 2013 from the To Kalon Vineyard celebrates the 50th Anniversary of the great Robert Mondavi, and his extraordinary vision to create something special in the heart of Napa Valley… this is certainly a great Reserve and a worthy homage to the legendary Robert Mondavi.”

An instant mini-cellar. Sadly, only a few were allocated…

Below is a select review for each of the 3 vintages from back when (without the upside of years laying in the winery library factored in.) There are many more but in the interest of time and space, this sampling should suffice:

96 Points – James Suckling

“Aromas of black currants, violets, lavender, and stone follow through a full body, chewy tannins and toned muscular structure. This is a Mondavi Reserve that harkens back to the great years of the 1970s. A tribute to the 50th Anniversary (1963-2013) of the winery. Try in 2022.”

95 Points – Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate

“The 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve To Kalon is a blend of 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Cabernet Franc and 4% Petit Verdot. Deep ruby/purple-colored, notes of sweet crème de cassis, blackberry, charcoal and toast are present in the subtle but intense aromatics. The wine is full-bodied and classically crafted, building incrementally on the palate and displaying full-bodied richness, sweet tannin, and a potential to age for 25-30 + years. This is a beauty. Drink 2016-2048.”

97 Points – Jeb Dunnuck

“A different beast, yet in the same ballpark qualitatively, the 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon To Kalon just jumps out of the glass with a huge nose of sage brush, chocolate, violets, tobacco, and assorted sweet black and blue fruits. Showing the more exuberant, sexy style of the vintage, it’s full-bodied and concentrated, yet has terrific tannins as well as length. It’s a beautiful wine from this estate that will drink well for 3 decades or more. Drink 2019-2029.”