"I'm an Oregon Wine enthusiast (snob). I rarely buy wine from out of state. However, this caught my eye.
The taste: fruit forward, not jammy, hints of cherry and some orange. I served it at 61 degrees F. It may have become a bit more earth-complex if served it closer to room temp. The tannins were mouthy and round with just a hint of oak- rather than the bitter-barrel. It paired very nicely with Morton crackers from Costco and smoked salmon.
Very drinkable and versatile.
NOTE: Recently it occurred to me that 2003-4 (the so called 'good years') have been too sweet. This Mondavi is my 3rd varietal (red) from the west coast of the USA from 2005. Superior flavors and not the jammy-sweets. Also, not any hint of acidic or vinegar."
