Robert Mondavi Winery tasting with CellarPass

Hello Friends,

I recently had an opportunity to join the good folks over at CellarPassTV for a live virtual tasting with Robert Mondavi Winery. CellarPassTV, who I have done previous tastings with, is an informative (weekly) live wine broadcast where some of California’s top winemakers, winery owners, and people in the food and wine industry are interviewed by host Sarah Elliman. Their website, CellarPass.com, is a leading destination for online winery reservations that’s well worth checking out if you’re thinking about visiting California wine country.

The Tasting Lineup

This broadcast featured special guest, Chef Jeff Mosher, and was recorded from the Robert Mondavi Winery kitchen. Chef Mosher prepared two dishes that sounded amazing to pair with the Robert Mondavi Winery 2010 Unoaked Chardonnay and Stags Leap District 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon. Since Robert Mondavi Winery was one of the first producers to promote tours, arts, and culinary programs, it was quite fitting for CellarPassTV to do their first wine and food pairing segment from the winery’s kitchen. Sarah, the chef, and Rich Arnold, who focuses on white wine production, later enjoyed the marriage of food and wine from Robert Mondavi’s beautiful (special event) vineyard room. Click here (Part I, Part II) to watch the video recordings. The segments are fairly informative and may give you some pairing ideas for Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon. See my review of the wines below. Cheers!

Robert Mondavi 2010 Unoaked Chardonnay

1) Robert Mondavi Winery 2010 Unoaked Chardonnay (SRP $32): While unoaked, this Chardonnay undergoes (partial) malolactic fermentation and sur lie aging, which gives it a moderate richness and luscious texture, yet retains a good amount of brightness and balanced acidity. In the glass, it shows aromas and flavors of soft tree fruit with refreshing hints of orange blossom and shy floral notes. It really comes into its own around cellar temperature (55°F); highlighting its moderately curvaceous figure and vibrant food-partnering acidity. I enjoyed this wine on its own and with grilled tilapia the following day. This is a winery exclusive selection that can only be found at the tasting room or winery website. 1,224 cases of this wine were produced. Click here to find this wine.

Robert Mondavi Stags Leap 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon

2) Robert Mondavi Winery Stags Leap District 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon (SRP $85): Nicely crafted and deeply colored, full-bodied wine displaying succulent red and blueberry fruit aromas/flavors with black currant, mocha notes, and a light dusting of sage and sweet baking spice. Velvety textured, it shows a sense of elegance with refined tannins, lovely acidity and a pleasant lasting finish. It’s drinking well now but the overall structure and acidity provides potential and longevity. This selection can only be found at the winery or the Robert Mondavi website. 679 cases were produced. Click here to find this wine.

Image from my visit to Robert Mondavi Winery