2006 Robert Mondavi Winery Chardonnay Reserve
Mission Codename: The passion shines through
Operative: Agent White
Objective: Revisit our friends at Robert Mondavi Winery and retrieve thier delicious Chardonnay Reserve.
Mission Status: Accomplished!
Current Winery: Robert Mondavi Winery
Wine Subject: 2006 Chardonnay Reserve
Winemaker: Genevieve Janssens
Backgrounder: Chardonnay is arguably the greatest of all white grape varietals, showing its influence in the legendary sparkling wines of Champagne, the great whites of Burgundy and of course its expression as ’the’ white wine of California. Chardonnay represents over 50% of the planted white grapes in California with nearly 100,000 acres planted. With such a great number of wines made from this grape, it stands to reason that finding wines of immense quality would be hard, but look no further. In this wine, we have found perhaps the ideal expression of the California Chardonnay.
In 1966, Robert Mondavi was a man with a mission. Mondavi had the vision to create the first major post-prohibition winery in the United Stated. His dream of crafting the best wines in the world has been realized and today the winery is recognized as a global leader in fine wine. Mondavi’s exclusive wines, which are usually only available at the winery itself, are extraordinary.
Wine Spies Tasting Profile:
Look – Pale golden yellow with golden and greenish hues that shine through this wine’s glistening clear core. The color fades gracefully at the edge and when swirled, slow fat legs descend to the springy wine below and settles quickly hinting at is weight.
Smell – Fresh and bright aromas of green and stone fruit including green apple and fresh fig. A touch of restrained oak reveals itself with vanilla creme and toast notes along with hints of white flower and spice.
Feel – Full-bodied with excellent wight on the palate, this dry wine balances its lively and crisp acidity and minerality perfectly.
Taste – Abundant flavors of the fruit found on the nose with the apple almost reminiscent of spiced baked apple. Add to this well integrated vanilla, oak, toast and spice.
Finish – Fresh and long with notes of green apple, spice and toast with lingering vanilla sweetness that clings to the palate.
Conclusion – The 2006 Robert Mondavi Winery Chardonnay Reserve is a delicious example of a balanced California Chardonnay. Not a butter-ball or oak bomb, but not too restrained either – lovely balance that makes this wine a great food wine. We paired this wine with grilled Branzino (Mediterranean sea-bass).
Mission Report:
WINEMAKER INTEL BRIEFING DOSSIER_
SUBJECT: Genevieve Janssens
DATE OF BIRTH: October 1950
PLACE OF BIRTH: Oujda, Morocco
WINE EDUCATION: Diploma in Enology – Bordeaux, France
CALIFORNIA WINE JOB BRIEF: 1978 – 1979 Robert Mondavi Winery Lab Enologist, 1989 – 1997 Director of Production Opus One, 1997 – current Director of Winemaking Robert Mondavi Winery
WINEMAKING PHILOSOPHY: Making wine in a more natural way; respecting the sense of origin. Thriving for the best.
SIGNATURE VARIETAL: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay
CAREER HIGHLIGHT: Being mentored by Mr. Mondavi and following his philosophy.
WINEMAKER QUOTE: Be passionate about making wine.
WINEMAKER INTERVIEW
AGENT WHITE: Greetings, Genevieve. We are thrilled to be showing your 2006 Chardonnay Reserve today. Thanks so much for taking some time to answer questions for our Operatives today.
GENEVIEVE: Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to discuss this special wine.
WHITE: Was there a specific experience in your life that inspired your love of wine?
GENEVIEVE: Following my father’s footsteps. He was a grape grower and a winemaker – making wine with passion.
WHITE: And where did you learn the most about winemaking?
GENEVIEVE: I have learned through my whole career – I’m still learning.
WHITE: What is your winemaking style or philosophy?
GENEVIEVE: I am laisser-faire by nature. I believe in the least amount of interference in winemaking and always letting the terroir sing.
WHITE: What wine or winemaker has most influenced your winemaking style?
GENEVIEVE: Cabernet Sauvignon and Mr. Mondavi influenced me the most. I find them both inspiring.
WHITE: How long have you been making wine?
GENEVIEVE: 40 years
WHITE: Who do you make wine for?
GENEVIEVE: I am inspired by Mother Nature and Mr. Mondavi always pairing food with wine. Wine must be a companion of every meal.
WHITE: Tell me, what makes the Carneros region so special?
GENEVIEVE: Carneros is located close to the ocean and receives the breeze in the morning with nice fog so the fruit is bathed in a beautiful blanket.
WHITE: What is one piece of advice that you would give to someone that is considering a career as a winemaker?
GENEVIEVE: Follow your passion. Mr. Mondavi said if you find a job you love you never work a day in your life.
WHITE: What is occupying your time at the winery these days?
GENEVIEVE: We are working on blends for the 2009 Chardonnay Reserve and beginning our vineyard visits to start assessing what is in store for the 2010 vintage. It is a beautiful day in Napa Valley that makes you want to spend all your time in the vineyards.
WHITE: Please tell me a little bit about the wine we are featuring today
GENEVIEVE: The 2006 Robert Mondavi Chardonnay Reserve is sourced from three vineyards in Carneros. Instead of clones, the vineyards were planted using mass selection as the growers sought concentration over yield. When it was felt that the various elements were at an optimum, the vineyards were harvested and pressed as whole clusters. The resulting juice, after separating out the higher pressings, was barreled for fermentation using 45% new French oak in barrels that promote the fruit concentration. After partial malo-lactic fermentation, the wine was aged on the lees, Sur Lie, for nine months prior to bottling. Our wine style continues the fashion set by Robert Mondavi to accompany food as part of a fine dining experience.
WHITE: What is your favorite pairing with today’s wine?
GENEVIEVE: Poached Halibut with grilled asparagus and Yukon gold potatoes
WHITE: Please share one thing about yourself that few people know
GENEVIEVE: My son, Georges, is starting a World Wine charity tour in January that will last 9 months.
WHITE: What is your favorite ‘everyday’ or table wine?
GENEVIEVE: Any wine which matches the meal.
WHITE: How would you recommend that people approach your wines, or wine in general?
GENEVIEVE: With a very natural way. Our wines are made to be enjoyed with friends and good food. Wine is part of a meal and should not be seen as a mysterious beverage. Simplicity is the essence when approaching wines.
WHITE: If you could choose any one wine to drink (regardless of price or availability), what would it be?
GENEVIEVE: Cabernet Sauvignon and Fume Blanc
WHITE: What is the one question that I should have asked you, and what is your answer to that question?
GENEVIEVE: I think you have done a pretty good job to understand the wine you are going to promote.
WHITE: Thank you so much for your time. We learned a lot about you – and about your wine. Keep up the great work, we are big fans!
GENEVIEVE: Thank you.
Wine Spies Vineyard Check:
The location of Robert Mondavi Winery in Napa Valley can be seen in this satellite photo.
