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Robert Mondavi Private Selection Bourbon Barrel Aged Cabernet Sauvignon Monterey County 2016

When I saw Robert Mondavi Bourbon Barrel Aged Cabernet Sauvignon, I wondered if this was a gimmick to sell wine or if it was a way to add flavor to low quality wine.  After all, it was only $9.99 at Costco, so it could be a wine that ends up in our next pasta sauce.

Aging wine in used bourbon barrels began in 2014 as a way to boost flavor and richness.  Bourbon barrels are heavily charred and usually used only once for aging bourbon so they are readily available.  You would certainly expect them to add different aromas and flavors to wine.

Robert Mondavi makes this wine from grapes grown in coastal vineyards of Monterey County.  Only a portion of the wine is aged in bourbon barrels obtained from a Kentucky distillery.  When you open the bottle, you immediately notice a bourbon influenced aroma.  The wine is fruity with toasty oak and vanilla tones and I could definitely taste a bourbon flavor.

Yes, I think the bourbon barrel aging is a gimmick and it probably masks a mediocre wine, but I really like it.   This is a lot of flavor for 10 bucks.  I have already purchased some more.

SC Wine Joe rating = 89 points






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