Robert Mondavi 60th Anniversary Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2023

“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, Jr.

Robert Mondavi is an undisputed titan of American wine, and his story is the very foundation of modern Napa Valley. In 1966, after a bitter family dispute led him to leave the Charles Krug Winery, he broke ground on a new winery with a singular, revolutionary vision: to produce California wines that could stand shoulder to shoulder with the finest wines of Europe. At a time when many in America viewed wine as a simple, sweet table beverage, Mondavi championed a European-style of winemaking and a philosophy that wine was an essential part of the “good life”—a civilized and cultural experience. He was a tireless promoter of not only his own brand but of the entire Napa Valley, selflessly sharing his innovative techniques and encouraging his neighbors to raise their own standards. By introducing practices like cold fermentation and aging in small French oak barrels, he became the ultimate ambassador for the region, ultimately transforming Napa from a quiet agricultural community into a global destination for fine wine.

At the heart of Robert Mondavi’s legacy is his most cherished possession: a significant portion of the hallowed To Kalon Vineyard. He famously said of the site, “It was a vineyard with a distinguished history and a magical nature.” To Kalon, which translates from the Greek as “the highest beauty” or “the highest good,” is widely considered the most celebrated vineyard in the Napa Valley. Its prime Oakville location, with its well-draining gravel and clay soils, provides the perfect conditions for growing world-class Cabernet Sauvignon. It was this vineyard that served as Mondavi’s canvas, a place where he could prove his grand ambition and create wines that were a true expression of California terroir. He was one of the first to recognize its potential to produce wines of immense power, elegance, and incredible longevity.