- CRITICAL REVIEWS
- WINEMAKER NOTES
Robert Parker Wine Advocate
1978 Robert Mondavi Reserve – Historic Napa Valley Cabernet
The 1978 Robert Mondavi Winery Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon is a rare piece of Napa Valley history. Produced at a pivotal time when Robert Mondavi was redefining California winemaking, this bottling reflects the estate’s dedication to elegance, innovation, and balance. Now more than four decades old, it represents both the legacy of Napa Cabernet and the vision that helped put the region on the global map.
Tasting Notes
With maturity, the 1978 Reserve reveals evolved aromas of dried cherry, cedar, and tobacco leaf, interwoven with notes of forest floor, leather, and subtle herbal spice. On the palate, it is graceful and fully resolved, with softened tannins, lingering acidity, and a long, savory finish that highlights its old-world charm and Napa roots.
Winemaking & Vineyard Details
The Reserve Cabernet was sourced primarily from estate vineyards in Oakville and To Kalon, Napa Valley’s most renowned site. The 1978 blend is predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon, with small amounts of Cabernet Franc and Merlot. Aged in French oak, the wine demonstrates the structure and finesse that defined Mondavi’s philosophy of merging European tradition with California terroir.
Investment & Collectibility
The 1978 Robert Mondavi Reserve Cabernet is a collector’s treasure. Bottles from this vintage are scarce and highly prized, not only for their drinkability but also for their historical importance in Napa’s rise to global acclaim. A must-have for serious collectors of Napa Valley wines and lovers of California’s winemaking heritage. Perfect for your collection.
Vintage Specifics
The 1978 Napa Valley vintage is remembered as a classic year, producing wines of balance, structure, and longevity. Cooler conditions and a long growing season yielded Cabernets with remarkable aging potential, and the Mondavi Reserve is among the vintage’s standout wines.




