Robert Mondavi 2016 Maestro, Red Blend, Napa Valley

For the Robert Mondavi Winery's 50th anniversary the winery created the Maestro Red Blend to honor the man who was the guiding inspiration for so many years. Robert Mondavi truly was The Maestro of Napa Valley.

For this wine from the outstanding 2016 vintage grapes were sourced from the Stag’s Leap and Oak Knoll Districts, as well as from the To Kalon Vineyard. The Wappo Vineyard in Stag’s Leap contributes robustness and elegance. The Stag’s Leap District fruit offers silky softness and firm backbone. And as ever, the fruit from the To Kalon Vineyard offers beautifully matured fruit that lends the blend classic complexity and structure.

Grapes were hand-harvested in the cool of the morning, then gently destemmed and crushed. The fruit for this wine was fermented in a combination of French oak tanks, for soft, supple tannins and textural interest, and stainless steel tanks, for purity of fruit expression. Thirty days of maceration maximized color and flavor extraction and polished the wine’s tannins for a lush, round mouthfeel. The new wine was transferred to new (47%) and second- and third-use (57%) French oak barrels. The wine then aged in barrel for 26 months to develop greater roundness, depth, and integration.

The Wine Spectator scored this 92 points saying "A restrained style, with a core of currant, bitter plum, savory, tobacco and mineral notes all working in concert. The well-focused finish features mouthwatering cut. For fans of Bordeaux. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot. Best from 2021 through 2026."


Wine Enthusiast Magazine awarded this a "Cellar Selection" and scored it 93 points saying "Spicy, herbal and peppery, this wine is blended with 16% Merlot, 9% Cabernet Franc, 6% Malbec and 4% Petit Verdot. Iron, dust and black currant highlight the hearty palate that shows a real sense of density and power. This will do well over time; enjoy 2026–2031."