Robert Mondavi Private Selection Rye Barrel Aged Red Blend, 750 ml

Robert Mondavi Private Selection Rye Barrel Aged Red Blend is the first of its kind Red Blend aged in Rye barrels. It reflects the expressive character of this truly original approach to aging. Robert Mondavi coastal vineyards deliver lush, dark fruit flavors of plum, black cherry and blackberry to the wine. A select portion of the blend is then aged in Rye Whiskey barrels, which add complex nuances of toasted oak and rye spice for a smooth, rich finish. This red wine pairs well with your favorite comfort food or charcuterie board.

The growing season saw significant rainfall, ending a five-year drought, refilling the reservoirs, and replenishing the soils. Harvest began early and at a normal pace, then progressed rapidly during a heat wave in late August and early September. Temperatures cooled in mid-September, slowing harvest and allowing grapes to ripen gradually and color up nicely. The result is red wines with great color, extraction, and flavor.

The grapes for our Rye Barrel-Aged Red Blend were sourced from prime vineyards throughout Monterey County in California’s Central Coast growing region. Monterey County vineyards enjoy a long, relatively cool growing season, with warm days and cool nights that provide ideal ripening conditions for grapes to develop complex flavors and deep, concentrated color. The grapes were harvested at night and in the early morning to preserve ideal acidity and sugar levels. Harvest ran from September through October.

We start our unique process with Merlot, Malbec, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc grapes carefully picked at the peak of ripeness from Monterey County vineyards. Then, we ferment the juice in stainless steel. The wine is then blended to deliver exceptional fruit flavors and complexity. Next, the blend is aged for an additional ten months in American oak rye whiskey barrels.