Robert Mondavi Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

This is the everyday Napa red from Robert Mondavi Winery, the Oakville estate that has helped define Napa since 1966. It is mostly Cabernet Sauvignon, usually around 80 to 90 percent. Small amounts of Merlot, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc and Malbec fill out the blend. The exact mix shifts a little each vintage.

Nearly half the fruit comes from Oakville, where deep, well-drained soils give dark color and fine tannins. The rest comes from the winery's Stags Leap vineyards and long-time growers across the valley. The wine then spends about 18 months in French oak. Roughly a fifth to a third of those barrels are new each year.

In the glass you will smell ripe blackberry, black plum and black cherry. Cassis, vanilla and cedar sit in the background, with a light herbal note. The palate is full and juicy. Dark fruit leads, then cocoa and a touch of mint or dried herbs. The finish is long and smooth, carried by velvety tannins.

Critics keep scoring it well. James Suckling and Anthony Gismondi each gave the 2021 vintage 92 points. The 2019 earned 92 points from Suckling and 93 from The Tasting Panel.

Open it with a ribeye, braised short ribs, venison or grilled lamb. Aged cheddar is a good match too. It tastes great now, and a good bottle will keep improving for years. If you want a reliable Napa Cabernet for dinner parties, this is an easy pick.