Calendar of Events

We hope you will join us on Thursday, December 8, at 6:30 CST for a virtual tasting of Michael Mondavi Family Estate wines with our wine and spirits manager Hoyt and his co-host, none other than Michael Mondavi himself! Michael is the son of legendary Napa Valley winemaker Robert Mondavi and now makes truly memorable wines under his own label.

Michael is known as "the quiet icon" among his friends and colleagues. He is widely credited with helping to establish and build the Napa Valley wine industry as we know it. Drafted into the family wine business immediately following his college graduation, Michael often spent two thirds of the year travelling, promoting Mondavi wines and the Napa Valley in general.

When Michael was eleven years old, his grandfather Cesare - who was also a California winemaker - told Michael that his most important job was to leave the soil in his vineyards in healthier condition than when he received it from his father and uncle. That early advice has guided Michael's approach to farming and winemaking.

Michael's career began in 1966 when he and his father Robert co-founded the Robert Mondavi winery in Napa Valley. He served in many positions including winemaker for the first eight harvests through 1974. From 1969 to 1978, Michael served as VP of sales. He was named managing director and CEO in 1990 and, following the company's public offering in 1994, was appointed President and CEO. He later served as chairman from 2001 to 2004. 

In 1999, Michael, along with his wife Isabel and their two children Rob Jr and Dana, purchased the Animo Vineyard on Atlas Peak. This marked the first chapter of Michael Mondavi Family Estate Wines.

We will taste the following four wines in this order:

2019 Emblem Chardonnay, $27.99

The 2019 Emblem Chardonnay springs from the glass with aromas of vivacious pink grapefruit, white peach and golden apple. Scents of fresh ginger, orange blossoms, beeswax and shaved almonds develop over time. Medium-bodied, the palate delivers super-intense citrus flavors and a satiny texture, finishing with beautiful mineral notes.

2019 Emblem Cabernet Sauvignon, $29.99

Just seeing the inky-purple hue of the wine as it is pouring into the glass awakens and excites the senses. The bouquet opens with aromas of black cherry, boysenberry, chocolate-covered espresso bean, and violets with just a touch of cinnamon, mint, and sage lying underneath. These flavors are found on the palate as well, which is rich and full-bodied with a velvety tannin and fresh acidity that lead to the long, lingering finish. Distinct flavors of dark cocoa can be found resonating on the back palate. A wine that drinks beautifully upon release could be cellared 5 to 10 years.

2018 Animo Cabernet Sauvignon, $69.99

The 2018 Animo Cabernet Sauvignon offers a harmonious aromatic balance of rich dark fruit, stems of roses, and earthy forest floor. The juicy entry offers a round, silky mouthfeel with just enough acidity to complement the satin texture. This seductive wine shows flavors of black cassis, black cherry and a hunt of cocoa powder. The fine-grained, plush tannins evolve into a long, supple finish.

2018 M by Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon, $179.99

Linear and precise, the M by Michael Mondavi opens with expressive aromas of quince, plum, juniper, cassis, blackberry & dark roasted coffee beans. With time and swirls of air, notes of dried rose petals, coriander, cinnamon and clove develop. This wine enters the palate with subtle tannins at first, and soon broadens into a silky expanse of vanilla bean, cocoa, roasted dates, black cherry, and orange blossom tea. The evolution of flavors continues with candied figs, bramble berry, and cocoa-covered strawberries. Enticing and enjoyable now, additional cellaring will surely allow further detail and refinement to develop.

By the way, we plan to make this a monthly event. Next up in January: Catena Zapata wines of Mendoza, Argentina, with Dr. Laura Catena herself!