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Robert Parker Wine Advocate
1982 Robert Mondavi Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon – Historic Napa Valley Classic
The 1982 Robert Mondavi Winery Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon represents a vital chapter in the history of Napa Valley winemaking. As one of the first wineries to put California Cabernet Sauvignon on the global stage, Robert Mondavi’s Reserve bottlings set the benchmark for quality and age-worthy expression. The 1982 vintage is a rare opportunity to experience a mature Napa Cabernet crafted at the dawn of the region’s rise to international acclaim.
Tasting Notes
With four decades of development, this wine offers tertiary complexity. Aromas of dried cassis, cedar, and tobacco leaf mingle with earthy notes of leather, mushroom, and forest floor. On the palate, softened tannins frame flavors of dried cherry, graphite, and a subtle mineral edge. The finish is elegant and persistent, reflecting the balance of old-vine Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley’s finest vineyards.
Winemaking & Vineyard Details
The 1982 Reserve Cabernet was sourced from the winery’s best vineyard sites, including prime parcels in Oakville near the famed To Kalon Vineyard. Composed primarily of Cabernet Sauvignon with small amounts of Merlot and Cabernet Franc, the wine was aged extensively in French oak barrels to enhance structure and longevity. Mondavi’s pioneering techniques emphasized elegance, integration, and balance over sheer power.
Investment & Collectibility
The 1982 Robert Mondavi Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon is a rare library wine from one of Napa Valley’s foundational estates. As a piece of Napa’s modern history, bottles from this era are increasingly scarce and highly desirable for collectors of Napa Valley wines and rare wines. Perfect for your collection.
Vintage Insights
The 1982 vintage in Napa Valley was warm and generous, producing wines of ripe fruit character and balanced tannin structure. While approachable in their youth, the top bottlings—such as this Reserve—have developed gracefully, now offering fully mature complexity.




