What is in a rating?
The other night I purchased a Robert Mondavi Napa Valley 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon for our Bunco game. The store indicated that Wine Enthusiast rated it a 91. Wine Advocate gives it a 90.
Wine Enthusiast’s rating scale indicates that 90-94 — Excellent. Extremely well made and highly recommended.
Wine Advocate’s rating scale indicates that 90-95 — Outstanding; exceptional complexity and character.
I tried the Mondavi 2006 and while it was good, it didn’t wow me. I expected for a rating of 90, 91 that it would be complex with a myriad of deep flavors and aromas.
According to the winemaker, it is a blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc, 3% Malbec, 1% Petit Verdot and 1% Syrah.
“Dark and densely concentrated, expressive aromas of blackberry, currants and subtle notes of thyme and cinnamon lead to flavors of blackberry, black plum and a bit of black olive. Knit together with big, mouth-coating tannins, this is an engagingly well-structured, bold-statement wine.”
Wine Advocate notes that: “Slightly superior to the 2005, the 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa possesses a dark ruby/purple color as well as a creme de cassis, spice box, and floral-scented bouquet, and a medium to full-bodied finish. A strong effort, it should drink nicely for 12-15 years.”
Maybe it does need to age more because for me (and another Bunco guest), it did not have the complexity and that we long for in Cabernets. The tannins were softer than preferred (I prefer very firm). I noted subtle hints of berries, and a medium finish, but there was very little expressive about this wine. It was only $19.99 at Festival Foods, so for a Cabernet in that price range it was very acceptable.
Would I buy it again? For $19.99, perhaps, but not for anything more than that.
Next up, Benziger 2006 Sonoma County Cabernet. Rated by Wine Enthusiast at 90 points, it will be interesting to see which wine I prefer.
