It was a beautiful, clear spring day in the Oakville area of Napa Valley as Napa branch members arrived at world famous Robert Mondavi Winery for a reserve Cabernet vertical tasting and luncheon.

We made our way to a fabulous setting overlooking the huge barrel room to begin our tasting which was hosted by Constellation Brands Sr. Vice President of Wine Education Peter Marks.  Peter is one of only 24 Masters of Wine in the U.S. and is a judge at many international wine competitions.

Robert Mondavi Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon is among Napa Valley’s best    Cabernets and each vintage is highly acclaimed by wine critics.  Fruit for all these wines come from Mondavi’s To Kalon Vineyard, considered the “First Growth” vineyard of Napa Valley.  Peter lead us through a vertical tasting of six vintages (2002-2007) and explained the nuances and composition of each of the wines.  Every vintage was rated 90+ by Robert Parker and Wine Spectator Magazine.  Our group thought all the wines were fantastic and had a hard time selecting our favorite--which turned out to be the 2004 and 2007 vintages.

We then proceeded to the Vineyard Room for lunch created by Mondavi’s Executive Chef Jeff Mosher.  We began with an Amuse Bouche of Sauteed Halibut with fresh garden Herb butter sauce; followed by Roasted Beet Salad with mixed garden greens, Laura Chenel Goat Cheese Fondue, Toasted Hazelnuts and Verjus Vinaigrette served with 2009 Mondavi To Kalon Vineyard Fume Blanc Reserve.  Our entree was Pan Roasted Niman  Ranch Strip Loin with Spring Garlic Puree Spring Vegetables, King Trumpet Mushrooms and Fingerling Potato Ragout Bordelaise served with 2007 Mondavi Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon; and for dessert, Vanilla Bean Panna Cotta with fresh berries and Pistachio Biscotti served with 2009 Mondavi Napa Valley Moscato d’Oro dessert wine.

This was truly a great wine education and food event that was enjoyed by all members who attended.