Oakville, Napa Valley, CA
100% Sauvignon Blanc
I purchased this bottle after a tasting at the Mondavi Estate in late 2019. It’s a throwback wine that pays homage to Napa Valley’s golden era, harking back to the days when wineries like Chateau Montelena and Chalone captivated the world during the 1976 Judgment of Paris. This historic moment brought well-deserved recognition to the exceptional quality of wines being crafted in Napa.
The Mondavi To-Kalon I Block is a remarkable example of Napa Valley winemaking and a tribute to the historic To-Kalon Vineyard. This wine is sourced from the esteemed I Block, the oldest Sauvignon Blanc planting in North America, with vines dating back to 1945. The I Block’s deep, well-drained soils, rich in gravel, provide an ideal foundation for cultivating grapes of exceptional character and complexity, embodying the unique terroir of this legendary site.
A younger Fumé Blanc opens with vibrant aromas of citrus, tropical fruit, and subtle floral notes, complemented by hints of oak and a creamy texture from barrel fermentation. But with 10 years aging this wine was shy and tightly wound right out of the bottle. However, evolving beautifully with time in the glass, revealing layers of lemon peel, white flowers, slate, and orchard fruits. On the nose, creamy tropical notes of mango, apricot, and melon were enriched by a distinctive waxy overlay. The palate delivers a dense and powerful mouthfeel, full-bodied yet not heavy, with a long, lingering finish of rich tropical fruit. While the acidity was less pronounced than I expected, the wine’s intensity and well-structured complexity leave a lasting impression.