Decanter – 95 Points
The full-bodied palate is marked by persistent tannins and a satisfying finish revealing notes of earth, river stones, dried herbs and a spine of acidity. Decanter Magazine | decanter.com
James Suckling – 92 Points
Soft around the edges and firm in the middle, this red- and black-fruited wine has a creaminess on the palate, delivering a mix of red cherries, blackberries and blueberries wrapped in moderate tannins. Contains small amounts of petit verdot, cabernet franc, malbec and merlot. Mar/2024 —James Suckling | jamessuckliing.com
Jeb Dunnuck – 91 Points
The classic 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley is outstanding, with a more black fruit-driven profile as well as some violet and scorched earth nuances. Aged 18 months in 32% new French oak, it’s medium to full-bodied, has a lifted, perfumed profile, supple tannins, and a great finish. Enjoy bottles over the coming decade. Dec/2023 —Jeb Dunnuck | jebdunnuck.com
Description
2021 Robert Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley is a refined and expressive wine that honors the legacy of one of California’s most iconic producers. Crafted from select vineyard sites throughout Napa Valley—including fruit from the famed Oakville and Stags Leap Districts—this vintage captures the structure, depth, and balance that define classic Napa Cabernet. Robert Mondavi Winery, founded in 1966, has long been a benchmark for premium California winemaking, and this bottling continues that tradition.
Made predominantly from Cabernet Sauvignon, with small portions of Merlot, Petit Verdot, and other Bordeaux varietals, this wine reflects the diversity of Napa’s sub-appellations. Aged in a mix of French and American oak for over a year, the 2021 vintage delivers richness and polish, with layers of ripe fruit, savory spice, and integrated tannins.
In the glass, the 2021 Robert Mondavi Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon displays a deep garnet color. Aromas of blackberry, cassis, and plum are joined by hints of espresso, vanilla, and dried herbs. The palate is full-bodied yet elegant, with notes of black cherry, dark chocolate, cedar, and graphite unfolding across a long, structured finish.
This Napa Valley estate-grown Cabernet Sauvignon showcases the warm yet balanced conditions of the 2021 growing season—a year marked by lower yields but concentrated fruit. The result is a vintage with intensity, finesse, and excellent aging potential.
Versatile and approachable, this 2021 vintage Napa Cabernet Sauvignon pairs beautifully with grilled meats, aged cheeses, and hearty stews, while its depth and complexity make it equally enjoyable on its own.
From a producer synonymous with Napa Valley excellence, this wine offers both pedigree and accessibility, embodying Robert Mondavi’s vision of crafting world-class wines from the heart of California’s most prestigious wine region.
The Legacy of Robert Mondavi – Pioneer of Napa Valley Wine
Few names are as synonymous with American winemaking as Robert Mondavi, a visionary who transformed Napa Valley into a globally recognized wine region. Born in 1913 to Italian immigrant parents, Robert Mondavi’s journey into the world of wine began in the Central Valley of California. After graduating from Stanford University with a degree in economics and business, he joined the family wine business at Charles Krug Winery. But Mondavi’s ambitions extended beyond bulk wine and tradition—he believed Napa Valley could rival the great wine regions of Europe.
In 1966, he established the Robert Mondavi Winery in Oakville, at the heart of Napa Valley. It was the first new major winery in Napa since Prohibition and marked the beginning of a new era in American wine. With an emphasis on quality, innovation, and a deep respect for terroir, Mondavi introduced winemaking techniques such as cold fermentation, French oak barrel aging, and temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks—practices that would elevate the region’s reputation.
The Robert Mondavi Winery Napa Valley quickly became a benchmark for California wine, producing elegant and expressive wines with a focus on Cabernet Sauvignon and Fumé Blanc, the latter a term Mondavi coined for his dry-style Sauvignon Blanc. He championed varietal labeling, culinary integration, and wine education, helping American consumers and critics alike appreciate fine wine as a cultural experience.
A landmark moment came in 1979 when Robert Mondavi partnered with Baron Philippe de Rothschild of Château Mouton Rothschild to create Opus One, a groundbreaking joint venture that brought together Old World heritage and New World innovation. The wine, a Bordeaux-style blend produced in Napa Valley, was priced and positioned as a luxury product from the beginning—signaling to the world that California could produce wines of comparable prestige to those from France. Opus One remains one of the most celebrated and collectible wines from Napa Valley.
Through the 1980s and 1990s, the Robert Mondavi Napa Valley winery expanded its vineyards and partnerships, maintaining its commitment to innovation, environmental sustainability, and global collaboration. In 2004, the winery was sold to Constellation Brands, but Robert Mondavi’s philosophy and influence continue to shape its identity.
Robert Mondavi passed away in 2008 at the age of 94, but his impact on American wine endures. He helped build the foundations of Napa Valley as a world-class wine region, inspired generations of winemakers, and left behind a legacy of excellence, education, and cultural pride. The wines that bear his name, as well as those of Opus One, reflect that enduring vision—bringing the elegance of Napa Valley to wine lovers around the globe.
Wine Advocate (WA)
Influential Wine Criticism for Global Wine Lovers
Founded in 1978 by Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate revolutionized the wine industry with its adoption of the 100-point scoring system. It quickly became the most influential source of wine ratings globally, especially for Bordeaux, Rhône, and California wines. Parker’s precise palate and fearless opinions gained him a loyal readership. Today, under the editorial leadership of Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW and a team of regional specialists like Joe Czerwinski and William Kelley, the publication continues to deliver deeply researched, blind-tasted reviews with global reach. It remains subscription-based and independent, with over 30,000 wines reviewed each year.
Wine Spectator (WS)
America’s Leading Wine Magazine and Rating Publication
Wine Spectator has been a staple of the wine world since its founding in 1976 by Bob Morrisey. Purchased shortly after by Marvin R. Shanken, the publication grew into the most widely read wine magazine in the U.S. It is known for its blind tastings, detailed vintage charts, consumer-focused reviews, and accessible scoring system. Its famous “Top 100 Wines” list each year influences buying trends across the industry. With a team of dedicated critics covering nearly every wine-producing region on Earth, Wine Spectator remains a trusted name for both collectors and casual drinkers alike, reaching millions in both print and digital formats.
James Suckling (JS)
Global Critic Known for Rapid Reviews and Bold Ratings
James Suckling spent nearly three decades at Wine Spectator, serving as Senior Editor and European Bureau Chief, before launching his own platform in 2010. Renowned for his fast-paced review style, Suckling and his team rate more than 25,000 wines annually from all over the world — with a strong focus on Italy, Bordeaux, Napa Valley, and Chile. His reviews are direct and generous, often accompanied by tasting videos and interviews with winemakers. Suckling also hosts large-scale tasting events around the globe and maintains strong influence on luxury wine buying in Asia, particularly Hong Kong and China.
Wine Enthusiast (WE)
Wine Ratings, Lifestyle, and Buying Guide
Since 1979, Wine Enthusiast has published wine reviews, buying guides, and lifestyle content for both entry-level drinkers and experienced collectors. The magazine evaluates thousands of wines annually using a 100-point scale and offers detailed, easy-to-understand tasting notes. Its team includes regional editors specializing in North America, Europe, and the Southern Hemisphere. Wine Enthusiast also provides wine accessories and hosts wine events. It’s known for its strong online presence and educational tone, making it one of the most accessible and widely read wine publications in the United States.
The Wine Independent (TWI)
Subscription-Based, Critically-Researched Wine Analysis
Founded in 2021 by former Wine Advocate editor-in-chief Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW and wine photographer Johan Berglund, The Wine Independent emphasizes transparency, independence, and long-form, in-depth critical reviews. It operates on a subscription-only model and maintains no advertising relationships, ensuring its opinions are entirely editorial and not influenced by wineries or sponsors. Their reviews, primarily focused on Bordeaux, Napa Valley, and Champagne, feature detailed tasting notes and region-specific insights, and the site aims to be a trusted source for high-end collectors and trade professionals.
Burghound (BH)
Burgundy Expertise and Global Pinot Noir Specialist
Allen Meadows launched Burghound.com in 2001 after a successful career in finance and years of deep study into the wines of Burgundy. His quarterly reports are considered the gold standard for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, especially from France and Oregon. Burghound is highly regarded for its vintage retrospectives, producer profiles, and strict scoring discipline. Meadows is known for revisiting wines across vintages to track aging and performance, providing valuable data for serious collectors and enthusiasts alike.
Connoisseur’s Guide to California Wine (CGCW)
Decades of California-Centric Ratings and Commentary
Founded in 1974 by Charles Olken, the Connoisseur’s Guide to California Wine was one of the first American wine publications dedicated exclusively to California wines. It employs a star-based rating system rather than numerical scores, offering short, consumer-friendly reviews with strong editorial consistency. It reviews wines monthly and is particularly noted for its fair treatment of smaller wineries, as well as for educational columns that provide insight into varietals, regions, and vintage perspectives.
Wine & Spirits (W&S)
Restaurant Trends, Trade Tastings, and Thoughtful Reviews
Wine & Spirits Magazine has been publishing since 1982 and is known for its blind tasting panels, sustainable producer features, and restaurant-focused wine trends. The magazine’s annual Restaurant Poll surveys top U.S. restaurants for their bestselling wines, offering unique insight into trade buying patterns. It covers both domestic and international regions with tasting panels led by respected critics, and places a strong emphasis on balanced, food-friendly wines. The publication is widely read by industry professionals, sommeliers, and wine educators.
The Tasting Panel (TP)
Trade-Oriented Publication Blending Ratings with Wine Business Insight
The Tasting Panel is a leading beverage trade magazine that reviews wine, spirits, and beer with an eye toward the business side of the industry. Edited by Meridith May, the magazine blends product ratings with distributor insights, marketing trends, and interviews with industry leaders. Its wine scores often appear in distributor portfolios and retail shelf talkers. Known for a broad palate and market-savvy commentary, The Tasting Panel holds a unique position between reviewer and trade magazine.
Vinous (VN)
Modern Multimedia Wine Criticism with a Global Reach
Vinous was launched in 2013 by Antonio Galloni, a former lead critic at The Wine Advocate. The platform combines written reviews, video content, interactive maps, and tasting notes across a global array of regions, from Barolo to California. Vinous has absorbed other major outlets like Stephen Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar, expanding its reach and credibility. With contributors like Eric Guido, Josh Raynolds, and Neal Martin, Vinous is widely respected by collectors and industry professionals.
Stephen Tanzer (ST)
Veteran Critic Known for Precise, Classic Palate
Stephen Tanzer was the publisher of the International Wine Cellar for nearly 25 years before merging with Vinous in 2014. Known for his conservative scoring style and deep knowledge of Bordeaux, Burgundy, and U.S. wines, Tanzer remains a respected contributor at Vinous. His legacy includes pioneering English-language coverage of less-celebrated wine regions and maintaining credibility with both trade professionals and collectors. Tanzer’s tasting notes are concise, technical, and valued for their consistency.
Jancis Robinson (JR)
Master of Wine and One of the Most Respected Critics Worldwide
Jancis Robinson MW is a globally recognized wine critic, journalist, and author based in the UK. She was the first person outside the wine trade to earn the Master of Wine title in 1984. Her Oxford Companion to Wine and World Atlas of Wine (co-authored with Hugh Johnson) are essential references in the industry. Robinson serves as wine advisor to the British royal cellar and is known for her scholarly yet accessible reviews and educational content at JancisRobinson.com.
Jeb Dunnuck (JD)
Former Aerospace Engineer Turned Rhône and U.S. Wine Authority
Jeb Dunnuck began his wine career writing a blog focused on the wines of the Rhône Valley and Southern France. He later joined The Wine Advocate before founding JebDunnuck.com in 2017. His publication focuses heavily on U.S. regions such as California and Washington, as well as France’s Rhône and Bordeaux. Known for a generous palate and bold tasting language, Dunnuck provides hundreds of detailed reviews per release cycle, frequently visiting producers and publishing regional deep-dives.
Decanter Magazine (D)
British Wine Authority Blending Criticism and Culture
Founded in 1975, Decanter is the UK’s oldest consumer wine publication. It has built a global reputation for thoughtful commentary, extensive blind tastings, and the annual Decanter World Wine Awards, one of the largest and most respected wine competitions. With contributors including Steven Spurrier, Jane Anson, and Andrew Jefford, Decanter provides wine education, interviews, travel features, and expert reviews. Its editorial voice reflects a balance of Old World tradition and New World curiosity.
Jane Anson (JA)
Bordeaux Specialist and Authoritative Wine Writer
Jane Anson spent nearly 20 years writing for Decanter Magazine before launching her own subscription-based platform, Inside Bordeaux. She is one of the most respected contemporary voices on Bordeaux, having authored “Inside Bordeaux” — a highly praised and scholarly reference work. Anson is noted for her deep engagement with vineyard practices, producer interviews, and regional changes. She holds a diploma from the Bordeaux Wine School and continues to publish detailed tasting reports and essays for…
Tasting Book ~ (TB)
Global Collector-Sourced Ratings and Reviews
The Tasting Book is an international digital platform that compiles wine reviews from professional critics, sommeliers, collectors, and enthusiasts around the world. Launched in Finland, it has grown to feature tens of thousands of wines with reviews from multiple perspectives. Each entry aggregates community feedback alongside professional commentary. Tasting Book is especially valued for its crowd-sourced balance and the ability to compare opinions across tasters. It is widely used by wine professionals, collectors, and auction houses.
