From Michael Mondavi, this is another great Cabernet Sauvignon, which seems to be in the DNA of this family. Michael Mondavi's 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon M has an opaque ruby/purple color and a gorgeous nose of crème de cassis, licorice, a touch of graphite and background oak. Fresh, youthful and belying its ten years of age, it tastes more like 3- to 5-year-old Napa Cabernet. The wine is full-bodied, impressively endowed, and set for a good two decades of aging. This wine probably merits some patience, although it's certainly showing well at present.

Tight and cedary, with mineral, sage and oak flavors that overshadow the dried currant, spice and black cherry fruit. Well-structured and focused. Best from 2010 through 2016.