2013 Robert Mondavi Winery Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve To Kalon Vineyard 50th Anniversary Oakville 750 ml

“The Game Changer” Collector Alert!

Before Robert Mondavi launched his namesake winery in 1966, Napa Valley was a quiet farming community with a few small shops. The valley was not recognized as a world class producer competing with France, Italy, and the other great regions of the world. The marketplace was desperate for a game-changer. Mondavi embraced the role without pause, with an approach that would turn the industry on its head. He implemented cutting-edge technology, forged international partnerships, ramped up marketing initiatives, incorporated the culinary and fine arts, and supported his neighboring growers. Mondavi’s vision put Napa Valley squarely on the map of the world’s elite wine regions and, before his passing eight years ago, cemented Robert as the patriarch of California wine.

Of all the vineyards Mondavi worked with over seven decades in Napa Valley, the To Kalon Vineyard held a special place in his heart. Reflecting on why he chose this jewel in the heart of Oakville when he set out on his own in 1966, Mondavi said, “It was a vineyard with a distinguished history and a magical nature. Ideal soils, sunlight. And rain — to my eye, the vineyard was a treasure.” The 2013 release is only the third To Kalon Vineyard-designated Reserve ever made.

Each year around tax time, the Oakville Winegrowers Association hosts an invitation-only conference showcasing their latest wines for members of the trade. If you’re lucky enough to snag a badge to the Taste of Oakville, prepare to rub elbows with some of the legends of Route 29 and the Silverado Trail: Harlan, Opus One, Screaming Eagle, Far Niente. Five months ago, we were among the privileged few seated in the room — courtesy of our friends at Robert Mondavi.

That afternoon in Oakville, we heard some loose chatter in regards to allocations for the 50th Anniversary Cabernet. Spotting Mondavi’s team, we beelined across the room and promptly requested an allotment. Our contact was tight-lipped, speaking in hushed code (not the first time we felt like Robert Redford whispering to Hal Holbrook in a darkened garage). We pressed. “Sit tight. We’ll call you,” he calmly advised.

Finally, we got the call: $150/bottle. For a Reserve that Parker calls “a beauty and certainly a great reserve and worthy homage to the legendary Robert Mondavi.” For a bottle Galloni calls “an especially refined expression of the famed To-Kalon vineyard.” For a wine Suckling says “harkens back to the great years of the 1970s.” And from Parker’s “Game-Changer” vintage, “the finest vintage (he has) experienced in tasting North Coast varietals over the last 37 years”?!

Shipping included on 2. Only 90 bottles available. A MUST for any Cabernet collector’s cellar. Don’t miss it.