M by Michael Mondavi - Cabernet Sauvignon2018
RED WINE
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Producer
M By Michael Mondavi
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Blend
20% Cabernet Franc
60% Cabernet Sauvignon
16% Merlot
4% Petite Verdot
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Country
USA
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Region
California
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Appellation
Napa Valley
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UPC
N/A
Reviews
Jeb Dunnuck 98
I was blown away by the 2018 M by Michael Mondavi, an incredible wine based on 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Cabernet Franc, 16% Merlot, and the rest Petit Verdot. Deep, full-bodied, and opulent, yet with perfect balance and a seamless, layered mouthfeel, it has beautiful darker fruits, notes of leafy herbs and chocolate, perfectly integrated oak, and silky tannins. This majestic, flat-out awesome wine will evolve for 20+ years.
by JD, Jeb Dunnuck , 2023
James Suckling 95
Classy cabernet characters with red chili pepper, cassis and tobacco with some cocoa powder, incense and fine spices to the ripe plum and blackberries. Refined and precise, with a medium to full body teeming with blackberries. A natural, supple acidity is rounded by plenty of dusty tannins, Shows restraint and elegance in its long, subtle finish.
by JS, James Suckling , 2022
Wine Spectator 93
A ripe, polished style, with currant, plum and blackberry preserves lined with mocha-accented toast, sweet tobacco and melted licorice. Stays reserved in feel overall and relies a bit on the toast, but there's ample fruit in reserve. Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot.
by JM, Wine Spectator , 2022
Technical Details
Tasting notes
Aromas of French plum with notes of roasted hazelnut are at the core of the bouquet.
On the palate, a medium body and soft textures mingle with delicate and refined flavors
of dark red fruits and orchard blossoms to offer a seamless finish to this elegant
and opulent wine.
Vineyard
Sustainable farmed, volcanic hillside vineyard located on the slope of Atlas Peak,
overlooking Napa Valley. The select vine blocks produce smaller clusters and grapes that
naturally provide ample intensity of color, tannins, and texture.
Vinification
The grapes came into the winery early in the morning and were gently transferred into
our gentle and precise Pellenc de-stemmer. The berries were then moved into small
tanks and allowed to settle for one day prior to commencing fermentation. Press began
and we opted for a short maceration time since the small, mountain berries naturally
provide ample intensity of color, tannins, and texture. And, finally, into barrels the wine
went to capture the delicate influence of oak while preserving the nuances of the fruit and
vineyard.
Vintage
2018 - a mild growing season that led to overall high quality and quantity. Harvest took place October 17-25.