A brilliant effort from Mondavi, the 2001 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve (a blend of 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc and the rest Malbec and Petit Verdot) exhibits complex aromatics of forest floor, sweet black cherry and black currant fruit, vanillin and lead pencil shavings. Dense and powerful as well as elegant and concentrated, the finish reveals moderate tannins, and the wine needs another 4-5 years of cellaring, but it has at least 25 years of upside left. Tel. (888) 766-6328

Smooth and sophisticated, with complex, graceful mocha, espresso bean, dried berry, currant, black cherry and plum woven together in an open-knit style that's deceptively deep and penetrating. At a perfect drinking intersection, where the fruit is at times youthful yet maturing.—2001 California Cabernet blind retrospective (June 2011). Drink now through 2018. -JL

Contains 67% To Kalon Vineyard fruit. Still a baby. Closed, brooding, very deep, very dry. Fabulous cassis fruit, a huge wine. Lots of delicious, sweet new oak. Superbly balanced, impressive. Drinkable now, but best 2010–2020. ——S.H.(6/1/2005)—— 94