2016 Robert Mondavi Chardonnay Reserve Unfiltered
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Tasting notes
Firm and fresh white with sliced apples, lemons, limes and hints of toasted oak. Full-bodied, linear and tight with a firm finish. Needs time to open. Mostly Hyde vineyard and all Carneros. Better after 2019.
Critic scores
Average Score
James Suckling
Jeb Dunnuck
More reviews and scores
Coming from the Hyde and Madrone Vineyards, the 2016 Chardonnay Reserve (all barrel fermented and aged in 65% new French oak) has a pure, complex, nicely textured style that carries classic white flower and caramelized stone fruit characteristics. This cuvée goes partially through malolactic fermentation and is rich yet also fruity, with subtle background oak. It’s incredibly well done.
The 2016 Chardonnay Reserve is soft, open-knit and expressive, with lovely orchard fruit, floral and citrus character. A hint of French oak frames the fruit nicely. Delicate and classy, the 2016 will drink well right out of the gate.
The 2016 Chardonnay Reserve delivers zippy citrus scents of lemon slices, grapefruit and yuzu with underlying hints of toasty oak and chopped almonds. The palate is medium to full-bodied with great intensity of citrus flavors and loads of mineral accents on the long zesty finish.
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.