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Decoding Mondavi... - 7/14/2008 4:32:01 PM

Maestro

Posts: 521
Joined: 10/4/2007
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As you know I have been trying to figure out California wines while restrained by the poor availability over here in Europe.

One brand that is easy to find is Mondavi. But that is a collection of brands/labels/etc.

Oakville, Woodbridge, Private Selection, Napa Valley, etc.

Could anyone explain the Mondavi range, please?

Post #: 1

RE: Decoding Mondavi... - 7/14/2008 4:34:16 PM

RoundersRob

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Joined: 7/1/2006
From: Santa Cruz, CA
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from lowest to highest

Woodbridge
Private Selection
Napa Valley
Oakville
Private Reserve
Opus One

Avoid anything below the Napa Valley offering. Even that one is pretty "mass market".

Oakville is pretty tasty but lots of oak.

(in reply to Maestro)

Post #: 2

RE: Decoding Mondavi... - 7/14/2008 4:40:43 PM

Maestro

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Joined: 10/4/2007
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Thanks, Rob. Perfect.

(The Private Selection/Private Reserve is confusing... Gotta remember that... "Private Reseve=good; Private Selection=bad"... well, just checked the prices... it will be easy to remember now...)

(in reply to RoundersRob)

Post #: 3

RE: Decoding Mondavi... - 7/15/2008 10:46:26 AM

GalvezGuy

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Joined: 5/10/2007
From: Galveston, TX
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I highly recommend the Private Reserve, especially from 2004.

I have been disappointed with Opus One since the '98. I admit I have not tried it in a long time so I could be off base, but the 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, and 2003 did not cut for me whereas from 93 to 97 they made some amazing juice.

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If you're gonna be dumb you better be tough

(in reply to Maestro)

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RE: Decoding Mondavi... - 7/15/2008 5:35:15 PM

jamscreator

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Joined: 9/10/2007
From: Indiana USA
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If you drink the Private Reserve, don't consider drinking any of the others. You might be disappointed. Unless of course you're going with the Opus One. Wow, now my mouth is watering.........

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Jeff Lawson

"Drink what you like, and like what you drink."
-Robert Mondavi

(in reply to GalvezGuy)

Post #: 5

RE: Decoding Mondavi... - 7/15/2008 10:19:02 PM

Serge Birbrair

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From: Boca Raton, Florida
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quote:

ORIGINAL: RoundersRob

Private Reserve

did you have 2001 lately? I have couple bottles and no clue when to open them.

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(in reply to RoundersRob)

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RE: Decoding Mondavi... - 7/15/2008 10:32:30 PM

cgrimes

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Joined: 10/8/2007
From: Massachusetts
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quote:

ORIGINAL: Serge Birbrair

quote:

ORIGINAL: RoundersRob

Private Reserve

did you have 2001 lately? I have couple bottles and no clue when to open them.

I'm keeping mine at least 10yr before trying as many older Private Reserves are really good. I think his wines (at least 2001 and older) tend to age well.

(in reply to Serge Birbrair)

Post #: 7

RE: Decoding Mondavi... - 7/19/2008 10:36:41 AM

pbm

Posts: 266
Joined: 3/5/2008
From: New Hope, Pennsylvania
Status: online

maestro...suggest you try and track down some late 1990's, early 2000 critiques of mondavi by both Parker and Spectator. They both critcizednTim Mondavi for turning out "weak" wines at one point. He argued they were more old world but regardless the criticism seems to have diminished recently. I'd also reccomend reading House Of Mondavi. It's a fascinating history if a little depressing.

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PBM
"Never Sell Principle Short"
Dave O'Neal

(in reply to cgrimes)

Post #: 8

RE: Decoding Mondavi... - 7/24/2008 12:43:35 PM

pinotho

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Joined: 7/24/2008
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I don't believe this is completely correct. Here's my understanding:

Woddbridge
Private Selection
Neither produced at the Napa facility. Think supermarket wine.

Then there is the Robert Mondavi Winery brand, which does begin with the Napa Valley products (around $25+ I believe). Next come several vineyard designate wines... Stag's Leap, Oakville, Hyde, Vine Hill and a few more ($45-$90). These still fall under the RMW brand. Next come the Reserve. There is no "Private" Reserve, as far as I know (but of course, I could be wrong). The official name is Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve ($125).

There is actually a level above that, another vineyard designate, called To Kalon ($135).

Finally, Opus One, while being a joint venture originally with Mondavi, and now Constellation, is a completely different winery and company. There is absolutely no crossover, but for getting fruit from some of the same vineyards.

That's my understanding... normally don't post, but the "Private" reserve might throw people off. Cheers,

Pinotho

(in reply to RoundersRob)

Post #: 9