Today's entry in the casual red category comes from the venerable Mondavi label from Constellation Brands. Much ink has been spilled about the Mondavi family wine business and the legacy of Robert, but I've never really focused too much on the behind-the-scenes business aspect of the wine world. It's an important subject, not only to those who buy and sell wine properties and brands, but I don't follow the industry news closely and it doesn't stir a desire for writing. If I wrote about oil painting, I probably wouldn't spend a lot of time talking about fluctuations in the price of alizarin crimson, but more about what I thought of the final work. This is a red blend that comes from the world's largest wine company and bears an easily recognizable name, but it doesn't mean that it's a boring "macrowine" on the order of Budweiser or Coors. Indeed, I found it to be a tasty California red blend that is affordable, easily available, and yet well enough constructed that you shouldn't ever be ashamed of the $11 price tag. I certainly enjoyed it with an all-American dinner of steak with a baked potato and simple salad.
This wine was provided to me as part of an online Twitter tasting, but due to traffic conflicts on the way home from work, I was unable to attend. But you can go back and read some of the tasting notes and commentary @RobertMondaviPS.
2011 Robert Mondavi Coastal Crush Red57% Monterey County, 20% San Benito County, 13% Paso Robles, 10% Valley South
67% Syrah, 24% Merlot, 9% Malbec
$11, 13.5% abv.
The wine opens up early with notes of cassis and a touch of chocolate. On the palate it has rich chocolate-covered cherry flavors with very low tannins, a mild body, and a short finish. This is a very mild and easily drinkable red that is definitely ready now. Highly recommended for just a fun and enjoyable wine to open up when you have surprise visitors over the holidays.
Note: This wine was received as a sample.
3 comments:
Hi, I'm a wine novice (even though I worked at a fairly exclusive Italian restaurant - I'm that good an actor!), and so don't feel worthy of spending a fortune on wine.
I found this at a local shop for considerably less than the price mentioned above and immediately bought it, figuring, 'eh, mass produced perhaps, but probably a pretty safe bet, and that PRICE!
I really liked it, felt it was, while not exotic in any way, certainly enjoyable, perfect for visitors of unknown preferences, and, did I mention affordable as all get out?
Thanks for your review and assuring me that my impression is not just that of a wine rube!
Anonymous,
It's got good balance, and a tremendous quality-price ratio. Glad you enjoyed it, and have fun exploring the world of wine--affordable or otherwise!
Cheers,
Benito
Just picked this up tonight. Being one who is always searching for something better, I gave this a try. Slightly disappointed. I have come to like the apothic red wine because I can really taste the fruit and especially the chocolate or mocha as well. The description on the Mondavi was mocha, raspberries, and strawberry. I definitely tasted fruit, but no mocha. I tried it slightly chilled and also at room temp to see if the flavor would come out. I may leave the bottle a few days and come back but as of right now, not blown away. The search continues for good wine.
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