Robert Mondavi chose Oakville for the home of his winery in 1966 and planted Cabernet Sauvignon with the goal of creating wines that could stand in the company of the world’s finest. Most of the grapes for our Oakville District Cabernet Sauvignon come from our To Kalon Vineyard where the low-fertility, well-drained soils, aided by optimal sun exposure, lead to rich, complex flavors and impeccable fruit maturity.
97 Pts. Decanter "This wine has proved to be one of Napa's longest-lived reds, capable of cellaring many decades. If its nose is characteristically reticent, that is to be expected, but the upfront appeal of the vintage shows in the vivid ripe cherry and boysenberry fruit aromas that are laced with vanilla, graphite and cedar. Expansive on the palate with energy and poise, showcasing red and black fruits, savoury herbs, brown spices, and a crushed stone salinity. Very fine, pixelated tannins resolve in a long spicy finish that builds with notes of chocolate and crushed flowers."- Jonathan Cristaldi, Decanter, September 12, 2022
94 Pts. Wine Spectator "Throws off some pretty gorgeous aromas of violet, anise and sweet bay leaf, with a core of ripe, streamlined boysenberry and blackberry pate de fruit flavors following closely. The finish has a racy graphite edge, while the fruit and aromas just spill through. Approachable now, too. Drink now through 2034."- James Molesworth, Wine Spectator, November 15, 2021
94 Pts. JebDunnuck.com "What was previously released as the Oakville Cabernet, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Estates Tier comes all from To Kalon and was fermented in oak tanks and aged in 96% new French oak. The blend is 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% each of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, and the rest Malbec. Ripe black fruits, smoked herbs, graphite, and even a touch of minerality define the bouquet, and it’s full-bodied, concentrated, and beautifully textured on the palate. Drink it over the coming two decades."- Jeb Dunnuck, JebDunnuck.com, March 10, 2022
93 Pts. Wine Advocate "Almost entirely from To Kalon (there's 3% from the former Franciscan property), the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon The Estates Oakville is composed of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% each Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, 2% Malbec and 1% Merlot. It's a deeper, earthier wine than the Stags Leap version, with loam notes joining plum and dark chocolate. Full-bodied, plush and velvety, it finishes long, with softly dusty tannins."- Joe Czerwinski, Wine Advocate, March 31, 2023
93 Pts. James Suckling "Aromas of lead pencil, redcurrant, gravel, blackberry and sage. Full-bodied with silky tannins. Lovely depth and complexity here, with a wash of black fruit. Powerful, without being overdone. Delicious. Best after 2024."- James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com, August 21, 2022