Robert Mondavi Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2021/2022

A very good introduction to Napa Valley cabernet for drinkers who are unfamiliar. This offers ripe, generous red and black fruit on a velvety texture of fine-grained tannins. Black cherries, dark plums and blackberries come up in the aroma and then go deeper on the palate. Contains 7% petit verdot, 8% merlot, 3% cabernet franc and 1% malbec. Aged in all French barrels, 31% new, which add accents of cinnamon and cedar. Drink now or hold.

Mondavi's 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa spans five Bordeaux varieties and several AVAs, with the largest components coming from Stags Leap District and Oakville. Aged in French oak (38% new) for 18 months, it's excellent entry-level stuff, boasting gentle black cherries, loam and cinnamon notes. Full-bodied, it's soft and supple, almost suede-like in feel, with some mocha and dark chocolate notes on the slightly warm finish.