Tasting - Robert Mondavi Pinot Nior

Name: Robert Mondavi Pinot Noir
Variety: Pinot Nior - 91% Carneros (Napa Valley), 5% other Napa Valley Vineyards, 4% selected Russian River - Sonoma County vineyards
Region: Napa Valley
Country: USA
Year: 2008
Price: $25

Online Review (via robertmondavi.com): Vibrant with considerable substance and structure. Aromas and flavors of dark fruits—black plum and jammy black cherry—merge with notes of spice, herbs and subtle oak. Fine-grained tannins lead to a long, smooth finish. A richly satisfying wine.

My Review: At a dinner party last weekend, I had the chance to try several new wines including this one. Since I am more accustomed to sweet wines, but trying to develop my palate and get into new varieties and flavors, I was excited to try a few of the typically more bitter wines. Although this was very different from what I usually drink, I think it is something that I could get used to. I could actually smell some blackberry and cherry aromas, which led me to detect more of that in the flavor of the wine. I paired it with some chicken curry appetizers and a slightly spicy quinoa and zucchini salad that were provided, and really enjoyed the wine with both of these flavors. I would love to try it again with other food pairings.

I also found the Robert Mondavi website very interesting. Information is provided regarding the production and fermentation, which was helpful in relating to class lectures.

Robert Mondavi 2008 Pinot Noir 

Fermented in open top stainless steel, standard stainless steel and standard wood uprights

Select Burgundian yeasts for enhanced complexity and character

20 days skin contact (maceration) to soften tannins

100% in-barrel malolactic fermentation

6 months aging in toasted Burgundy barrels (27% new oak)