"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. Drink or hold."
— Jim Gordon, JamesSuckling.com, February 8, 202491
"A polished, fruit-driven style, but with nice focus, as singed alder and savory notes provide a gentle nudge along the edges of the plum and cassis core. Ends with a subtle loam echo on the finish. Drink now through 2032."
— Wine Spectator, November 14, 2024
"Dark and winey, with a smoldering intensity to the flavors of black currant preserves, fig paste and plum reduction. The structure is loamy, rich and driven in feel, while tobacco and warm stone accents play their supporting role. A brick house with a bit of an old-school feel. To be released September, 2021. Best from 2023 through 2036. 3,048 cases made."
— J.M., Wine Spectator, October 31, 2021
"Publisher's Pick" From the most coveted blocks within To Kalon - the treasured vineyard of Robert Mondavi that was the location of his winery home since 1966 - this is the fourth vintage of the To Kalon-designated Reserve. Like a classic rock 'n' roll tune from that era, this wine ranks among the most revered and will continue to be memorable for decades. Among the top five songs of 1966 were "Cherish" by The Association and "Soul Inspiration" by The Righteous Brothers, which are appropriately a good fit for describing the To Kalon vineyard. From its aromas of dark cherry and vanilla spice to its deeply expressive notes of graphite, leather, plum, and earth, the velvet drapes across the palate from start to finish."
— Tasting Panel, December 201795
"Deep ruby/purple-colored, notes of sweet crème de cassis, blackberry, charcoal and toast are present in the subtle but intense aromatics. The wine is full-bodied and classically crafted, building incrementally on the palate and displaying full-bodied richness, sweet tannin, and a potential to age for 25-30+ years. This is a beauty. It goes without saying that probably no one did more for the image, the quality and the prestige of Napa Valley than Robert Mondavi. He was 'the' ambassador for the region, and while he certainly lived to see its rise to glory and fame, I doubt that even he envisioned the remarkable wines that are now emanating in prolific quantities from this Shangri-La for growing grapes."
— Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, December 30, 201695
"This is made from a majority of Cabernet Sauvignon from the famous historic site, with 6% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot. It startles in beauty and grace, with plenty of power and concentration. It's a charismatic wine, bright in red currant and black cherry and a soft, supple texture that holds an underlying grip and toasty oak spice."
— V.B., Wine Enthusiast, February 201893
"This shows some valley floor dusty texture with blueberry and currant character. Medium body, fine and silky tanning and a fresh finish. Shows the To Kalon magic."
— James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com, December 21, 201792
"Supple and heady with the richness of Oakville cabernet, this is a plush, espresso-scented red. Associate Editor Geoff Millar described it as an "oak rocket with dark fruit inside," the oak propelling the fresh raspberry and blackberry flavor. Winemaker Genevieve Janssens selects this wine from the vineyard that surrounds the winery, working with a range of blocks for this Reserve, including vines dating to 1974."
— Wine & Spirits, February 201890
"Offers aromas of dusty berry, plum and currant, with crushed rock and graphite notes amid cedary oak and black licorice details and firm tannins."
— J.L., Wine Spectator, March 2018
"Rich and seductive in feel, with a lovely swath of loamy-edged steeped plum and blackberry compote flavors, backed with flashes of anise and sweet bay leaf. A loamy edge extends nicely in lockstep with the fruit on the finish. Textbook Oakville Cabernet. Best from 2022 through 2034. 9,791 cases made."
— J.M., Wine Spectator, October 31, 2021
"Wonderful aromas of fresh herbs, such as sage and mint. Currants. Extremely aromatic. Full body. Fantastic tension and focus. Reminds me of the 1974. Really exceptional. Gorgeous. Cool and sleek."
— James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com, February 14, 202092
"Very solid, with a direct beam of steeped black currant and plum fruit, carried by hits of loam and black licorice. A loamy note mingles with the fruit through the broad finish, while light herb and singed alder hints check in. Best from 2021 through 2031."
— J.M., Wine Spectator, November 15, 2020
