Robert Mondavi – Carneros, Napa Valley Pinot Noir

This wine comes in a little bit over our typical $20 limit, but I was impressed with it so I thought I’d share for those who occasionally spring a little more for their wine.

This Robert Mondavi pinot noir comes from the Carneros region in California.  This is a region that is just north of San Pablo Bay, which has a climate-cooling effect on the region.  And cool climates is one key ingredient to tasty pinot noir.  Although the Carneros AVA includes parts of both Napa and Sonoma, based on the label I assume that the grapes in this bottle all come from the Napa Valley part of Carneros.

The nose is pretty interesting (in a good way), offering plenty of vanilla, black cherry, fig and cedar, but also some mushroom and a pencil eraser-like aroma.  There’s good intensity to the aromatics too.  On the palate I would call it a medium-bodied wine, but it’s on the higher end of medium.  It offers flavors like blackberry and black cherry up front, evolving into some chocolate notes.  The finish is rather long, showing chocolate, cola and black cherry flavors.  Plus there’s a touch of smokiness deep into the finish.  The acidity is sufficient and the tannins are moderate.  Overall, this is a very good pinot noir.

Wine: Robert Mondavi – Napa Valley
Variety: Pinot Noir
Vintage: 2010
Alcohol: 14.5%
Rating: 90
Price: $27.00

Find Robert Mondavi – Napa Valley, Carneros Pinot Noir with Snooth

Disclosure: This wine was received as a media sample.