Mission Codename A very fine year
“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
Free Time Machine Ride!
Times change, don’t they? Inflation, appreciation, scarcity… so when the folks of Mondavi released a super special library vertical of 2013, 2014, and 2015 (no dog years in there mind you!) last year at $900 our eyes popped out. We played the waiting game to go in and make an offer, on your behalf and ‘stole’ a few cases via a time machine ride back to basically the original release prices. You’re welcome!
And those of you smart enough to get the full experience will remember the three packs a few weeks ago. We were lucky enough to find a few more bottles so we’ve got them available again for the luckiest few operatives!
Talk about peak drinking, these investor-grade blue-chip classics are just now hitting their perfect stride. The Tasting Panel review reads more like a tribute piece in Rolling Stones than a wine review but they are right on for the 2014: “Like a classic rock ‘n’ roll tune from that era, this wine ranks among the most revered and will continue to be memorable for decades.”
We can’t believe we’re even able to off this wine and even better!? We’re talking OVER 40% OFF?!
Back to Bob Parker, while we grab a Kleenex. “This is certainly a great Reserve and a worthy homage to the legendary Robert Mondavi.”
We have all three available today in the store so if you bought a vertical already, now buy your favorite vintage! Sadly, only a few were allocated…
There are many quotes and reviews about this winery and this wine but in the interest of time and space, we’ll just leave a few below:
98 Points – The Tasting Panel
“From the most coveted blocks within To Kalon–the treasured vineyard of Robert Mondavi that was the location of his winery home since 1966–this is the fourth vintage of the To Kalon–designated Reserve. Like a classic rock ‘n’ roll tune from that era, this wine ranks among the most revered and will continue to be memorable for decades. Among the top five songs of 1966 were “Cherish” by the Association and “Soul and Inspiration” by the Righteous Brothers, which are appropriately a good fit for describing To Kalon Vineyard. From its aromas of dark cherry and vanilla spice to its deeply-expressive notes of graphite, leather, plum, and earth, the velvet drapes across the palate from start to finish.”
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.”
95 Points – James Suckling
“Soft and smooth but structured, the wine is aromatic with mint, red currant, cassis, graphite and savory bay leaf accents, followed by a rich mouthfeel and significant but fine-grained tannins. This beauty, Mondavi’s top red wine, is drinking great already, but will evolve for years.”
95 Points – Wine Enthusiast
“This is made from a majority of Cabernet Sauvignon from the famous historic site, with 6% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot. It startles in beauty and grace, with plenty of power and concentration. It’s a charismatic wine, bright in red currant and black cherry and a soft, supple texture that holds an underlying grip and toasty oak spice.”
Tasting Profile
Tasting Profile
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What the Winery Says
2014 To Kalon Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
- Winemaker
- Geneviève Janssens
- Varietals
- 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Cabernet Franc, 4% Petit Verdot
- Vintage
- 2014
- Alcohol
- 14.5%
- Appellation
- Oakville, Napa Valley
- Vineyard
- To Kalon Vineyard
- Aging
- 18-20 months
- Barrels
- 100% new French oak