1997 Robert Mondavi Chardonnay Reserve Unfiltered
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Tasting notes
The flagship 1997 Chardonnay Reserve is a beautifully rich, expansive, complex offering that reminds me of some grand cru whites produced by the Burgundian negociant, Joseph Drouhin. Everything is in balance in this delicate, extremely long wine. It unfolds as it sits in the glass, revealing subtle buttery popcorn, orange blossom, lemon zest, and restrained toasty new oak. A medium to full-bodied Chardonnay, with good underlying acidity, it should be uncommonly long-lived for a California Chardonnay, 5-10 years. I think it is safe to say that no white wine at Robert Mondavi goes through 100% malolactic fermentation given winemaker Tim Mondavi's belief in trying to produce wines with flavor, vibrancy, and as he says, "nerve." Mondavi's Chardonnays are given partial malolactic, although the percentage is less and less, with Tim Mondavi pushing for more precision and vibrancy. Yields continue to be lowered, resulting in concentrated, refreshing, food-friendly wines. Tel. (707) 259-9463 and (800) MONDAVI; Fax (707) 963-1007
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Vibrant green-tinged color. Rich, ripe aromas of pineapple, fresh herbs and butterscotch. Rich but quite elegant in the mouth, with a lovely restrained sweetness and very good clarity of flavor. The long, subtle finish gives a dusty impression of strong extract.
About the producer
Robert Mondavi is a name known the world over. The ambitious businessman created his eponymous winery in 1966 to produce world-class wines in Napa, pioneering quality winemaking and becoming a champion for the region.