The grapes arrive to the winery at first light where they are weighed and then placed, whole cluster, into the press. The pressing cycle takes nearly two hours and gently extracts the cool and vibrant juice which is then transferred to small, stainless-steel tanks for chilling and settling. Within 48 hours the juice is transferred to small French oak barrels where the fermentation takes place. During fermentation we determine which of these individual barrels will undergo malolactic fermentation, as it is only necessary on a small percentage of the wine in order to impart the additional layers and to provide more full and complete flavor and rounded texture. Aged in 15% new French oak for 7 months, 85% neutral French oak.

The Mondavi family has always championed Cabernet Sauvignon as Napa Valley’s premier grape. Emblem represents the continuation of this visionary commitment and the passing of the torch to the next generation of the Michael Mondavi family. Under the Emblem label, siblings Rob Mondavi Jr. and Dina Mondavi have collaborated to produce two standout Cabernets. The first wine is a distinct Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon from the family’s Oso Vineyard (nestled between Ink Grade and Howell Mountain)—it’s age-worthy and structured, with palpable tannins in its finish. The second wine is a more approachable, softer Cabernet blend crafted from several worthy locations across Napa Valley.

The incredibly balanced Emblem Chardonnay offers aromas of fresh cut Fuji and Honeycrisp apples with notes of flint and a slight essence of vanilla drawn from the French oak barrels. The flavors of fresh apple with a hint of minerality carry through to a rounded mouthfeel and fresh vibrancy.