Robert Mondavi Winery
Chardonnay Reserve Mondavi Napa Valley Californie
2017
$90.25
About this winery
Robert Mondavi established his namesake winery in 1966 with a vision to create Napa Valley wines that would stand in the company of the world’s finest. He chose To Kalon Vineyard in the heart of the Napa Valley as the home for Robert Mondavi Winery.
See the Robert Mondavi Winery detail page for more information on this brand
Product notes
The 2017 harvest started early following a summer of heat spikes and a growing season that began with significant rain, ending a five-year drought. While the heat waves were a concern, retained water in the quenched soils helped maintain vigorous vines and plump, juicy clusters of fruit through the growing season. A series of wildfires at the beginning of October made international headlines, but the early harvest ensured the majority of our grapes were picked and already processed in the cellar before the fires began. The grapes for our Chardonnay Reserve were picked between September 1and September 19.
Production notes
We hand-harvested our selected Chardonnay grapes into half-ton bins at daybreak and gently pressed them as whole clusters to retain fruity flavors and delicacy. A slow, cool native-yeast fermentation took place in 100% Burgundian-style barrels for fruit and oak integration, and enhanced mouthfeel. Ninety-eight percent of these French oak barrels were new, adding layers of complexity. As the wine underwent malolactic fermentation, we began stirring each barrel twice a week, re-suspending the yeast lees to gradually build in greater creaminess and further enrich the texture. When the wine reached optimal balance of fruit and oak influence, it was blended and transferred to neutral barrels with the lees to continue aging for a total of 11 months. The wine was bottled in November 2018.
Tasting notes
Our Reserve’s tree-ripened apricot, crushed oyster shell, orange blossom and white floral aromas are layered on the palate with white peach, zesty lemon curd, clove, and vanilla crème brûlée complexity and a creamy, mouth-filling texture that carries these generous flavors into an incredibly long, lingering finish.