These picks have gotten scores of 90 points or more from top critics and reviewers.
98
"Publisher's Pick" From the most coveted blocks within To Kalon - the treasured vineyard of Robert Mondavi that was the location of his winery home since 1966 - this is the fourth vintage of the To Kalon-designated Reserve. Like a classic rock 'n' roll tune from that era, this wine ranks among the most revered and will continue to be memorable for decades. Among the top five songs of 1966 were "Cherish" by The Association and "Soul Inspiration" by The Righteous Brothers, which are appropriately a good fit for describing the To Kalon vineyard. From its aromas of dark cherry and vanilla spice to its deeply expressive notes of graphite, leather, plum, and earth, the velvet drapes across the palate from start to finish."
— Tasting Panel, December 201795
"Deep ruby/purple-colored, notes of sweet crème de cassis, blackberry, charcoal and toast are present in the subtle but intense aromatics. The wine is full-bodied and classically crafted, building incrementally on the palate and displaying full-bodied richness, sweet tannin, and a potential to age for 25-30+ years. This is a beauty. It goes without saying that probably no one did more for the image, the quality and the prestige of Napa Valley than Robert Mondavi. He was 'the' ambassador for the region, and while he certainly lived to see its rise to glory and fame, I doubt that even he envisioned the remarkable wines that are now emanating in prolific quantities from this Shangri-La for growing grapes."
— Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, December 30, 201695
"This is made from a majority of Cabernet Sauvignon from the famous historic site, with 6% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot. It startles in beauty and grace, with plenty of power and concentration. It's a charismatic wine, bright in red currant and black cherry and a soft, supple texture that holds an underlying grip and toasty oak spice."
— V.B., Wine Enthusiast, February 201893
"This shows some valley floor dusty texture with blueberry and currant character. Medium body, fine and silky tanning and a fresh finish. Shows the To Kalon magic."
— James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com, December 21, 201792
"Supple and heady with the richness of Oakville cabernet, this is a plush, espresso-scented red. Associate Editor Geoff Millar described it as an "oak rocket with dark fruit inside," the oak propelling the fresh raspberry and blackberry flavor. Winemaker Genevieve Janssens selects this wine from the vineyard that surrounds the winery, working with a range of blocks for this Reserve, including vines dating to 1974."
— Wine & Spirits, February 201890
"Offers aromas of dusty berry, plum and currant, with crushed rock and graphite notes amid cedary oak and black licorice details and firm tannins."
— J.L., Wine Spectator, March 2018
