1986 Robert Mondavi

Reserve

Cabernet Sauvignon

America / California / Napa Valley

$175
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Availability: 1

1986 Robert Mondavi Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon – Historic Napa Valley Classic

The 1986 Robert Mondavi Winery Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon is a piece of Napa Valley history, produced by the man who helped place California wine on the global stage. The Reserve bottling represented Mondavi’s finest fruit selections from Oakville, reflecting his vision of crafting wines with structure, elegance, and longevity. Nearly four decades on, the 1986 vintage offers a rare opportunity to experience a mature expression of Napa Cabernet.

Tasting Notes

Now fully evolved, the 1986 Reserve reveals tertiary notes of dried cherry, cedar box, and tobacco leaf, complemented by layers of graphite, leather, and subtle herbal tones. The palate is refined, with softened tannins and balanced acidity carrying flavors of red currant, spice, and earth. A long, savory finish highlights its graceful aging trajectory.

Winemaking & Vineyard Details

Crafted predominantly from Cabernet Sauvignon, with small proportions of Merlot and Cabernet Franc, the 1986 Reserve was sourced from estate vineyards in Oakville, including parcels within the legendary To Kalon Vineyard. Fermentation took place in temperature-controlled tanks before extended barrel aging in French oak, a practice that set Mondavi’s wines apart for their polish and structure.

Investment & Collectibility

The 1986 Robert Mondavi Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon is a rare library release, prized by collectors for its provenance and significance in Napa’s history. Bottles from this era represent the foundation of California’s rise to international prestige, making them a worthy addition to any serious collection. Perfect for your collection.

Vintage Insights

The 1986 vintage in Napa Valley produced structured wines with firm tannins and excellent potential for aging. Today, well-cellared examples continue to showcase balance, complexity, and a testament to Mondavi’s vision of longevity in Napa Cabernet Sauvignon.


Explore Related Collections

Robert Parker Wine Advocate

A strong showing for this offering from Mondavi, 1986 was a transitional year for the Mondavi philosophy of Cabernet Sauvignon winemaking. The unfiltered school of winemaking, which ended in 1974, resumed in 1987, yet had not taken full hold in 1986. Nevertheless, Mondavi had already moved away from the excessive manipulation and acidification practiced during the 1975-1985 era. The 1986 reveals a deep, ruby/garnet color with an opaque middle and vague lightening at the edge. The expressive bouquet offers up scents of jammy cassis, tobacco, and damp earth. Sweet and ripe, this full-bodied, soft, seamless, velvety-textured wine was tasting exceptionally well. Although fully mature, it is capable of lasting another 7-10 years. A very delicious, complex, elegant Cabernet. Reviewed by Robert M. Parker, Jr., Issue date: August 31 1996. Drinking window: 1996 - 2006.

Domestic Shipping

We currently ship to all U.S. states where the shipment of alcohol is legally permitted. Orders are fulfilled via UPS.

Orders placed Monday through Thursday before 2:00 p.m. Pacific Time typically ship the same day. Orders placed after 2:00 p.m. on Thursday through Sunday will ship the following Monday.

Same-day delivery may be available within the Los Angeles Metro area if placed before noon. Please contact us at (626) 714-7006 to arrange expedited local service.

Packaging & Warm Weather Shipping

To protect wine quality, all orders are packed in EPS foam shippers with gel packs when necessary. During warmer months, we recommend selecting Next Day Air service. If Ground shipping is selected during high temperatures, a signed waiver may be required to release us from liability due to heat exposure.

For OWC (Original Wooden Case) orders, bottles are removed and shipped in foam for safety. The wooden case ships separately via Ground unless otherwise requested.

Weather Holds & Free Storage

In periods of extreme weather, we reserve the right to delay shipment until safe conditions return. If you request immediate shipment during such periods, you must confirm in writing and acknowledge that you waive any condition guarantees.

We also offer complimentary temperature-controlled storage for up to 6 months from the date of purchase. Select the “Hold for Weather” option at checkout and we will coordinate shipping at a later date.

Insurance

We provide free shipping insurance for loss or visible damage during transit, per carrier terms and conditions.

Adult Signature Required

All shipments of alcohol require an adult signature (21+) upon delivery. Carriers will not release packages without adult authorization. Additional charges may apply for re-delivery, redirection, or failed delivery attempts.

Shipping Address Accuracy

Orders are shipped to the exact shipping address provided at checkout. Angry Wine Merchant is not responsible for errors or omissions in the address submitted by the customer. If a package is delayed, returned, or misdelivered due to incorrect shipping details, the customer assumes full responsibility. Additional shipping fees may apply if re-shipment is required. By placing an order, you confirm that the shipping address entered is correct and agree to these terms.

States We Ship To

We ship to the following U.S. states:

Alabama (AL), Alaska (AK), Arizona (AZ), Arkansas (AR), California (CA), Colorado (CO), Connecticut (CT), Delaware (DE), Florida (FL), Georgia (GA), Hawaii (HI), Idaho (ID), Illinois (IL), Indiana (IN), Iowa (IA), Kansas (KS), Kentucky (KY), Louisiana (LA), Maine (ME), Maryland (MD), Massachusetts (MA), Michigan (MI), Minnesota (MN), Mississippi (MS), Missouri (MO), Montana (MT), Nebraska (NE), Nevada (NV), New Hampshire (NH), New Jersey (NJ), New Mexico (NM), New York (NY), North Carolina (NC), Ohio (OH), Oklahoma (OK), Oregon (OR), Pennsylvania (PA), Rhode Island (RI), South Carolina (SC), South Dakota (SD), Tennessee (TN), Texas (TX), Vermont (VT), Virginia (VA), Washington (WA), West Virginia (WV), Wisconsin (WI), Wyoming (WY)

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International Shipping

We do offer international shipping where legally allowed. For details, click here or contact us directly.

  • CRITICAL REVIEWS
  • WINEMAKER NOTES

Robert Parker Wine Advocate

A strong showing for this offering from Mondavi, 1986 was a transitional year for the Mondavi philosophy of Cabernet Sauvignon winemaking. The unfiltered school of winemaking, which ended in 1974, resumed in 1987, yet had not taken full hold in 1986. Nevertheless, Mondavi had already moved away from the excessive manipulation and acidification practiced during the 1975-1985 era. The 1986 reveals a deep, ruby/garnet color with an opaque middle and vague lightening at the edge. The expressive bouquet offers up scents of jammy cassis, tobacco, and damp earth. Sweet and ripe, this full-bodied, soft, seamless, velvety-textured wine was tasting exceptionally well. Although fully mature, it is capable of lasting another 7-10 years. A very delicious, complex, elegant Cabernet. Reviewed by Robert M. Parker, Jr., Issue date: August 31 1996. Drinking window: 1996 - 2006.

1986 Robert Mondavi Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon – Historic Napa Valley Classic

The 1986 Robert Mondavi Winery Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon is a piece of Napa Valley history, produced by the man who helped place California wine on the global stage. The Reserve bottling represented Mondavi’s finest fruit selections from Oakville, reflecting his vision of crafting wines with structure, elegance, and longevity. Nearly four decades on, the 1986 vintage offers a rare opportunity to experience a mature expression of Napa Cabernet.

Tasting Notes

Now fully evolved, the 1986 Reserve reveals tertiary notes of dried cherry, cedar box, and tobacco leaf, complemented by layers of graphite, leather, and subtle herbal tones. The palate is refined, with softened tannins and balanced acidity carrying flavors of red currant, spice, and earth. A long, savory finish highlights its graceful aging trajectory.

Winemaking & Vineyard Details

Crafted predominantly from Cabernet Sauvignon, with small proportions of Merlot and Cabernet Franc, the 1986 Reserve was sourced from estate vineyards in Oakville, including parcels within the legendary To Kalon Vineyard. Fermentation took place in temperature-controlled tanks before extended barrel aging in French oak, a practice that set Mondavi’s wines apart for their polish and structure.

Investment & Collectibility

The 1986 Robert Mondavi Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon is a rare library release, prized by collectors for its provenance and significance in Napa’s history. Bottles from this era represent the foundation of California’s rise to international prestige, making them a worthy addition to any serious collection. Perfect for your collection.

Vintage Insights

The 1986 vintage in Napa Valley produced structured wines with firm tannins and excellent potential for aging. Today, well-cellared examples continue to showcase balance, complexity, and a testament to Mondavi’s vision of longevity in Napa Cabernet Sauvignon.


Explore Related Collections

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