The stylish, elegant 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon Private Reserve (8,300 cases of 83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Merlot, and the balance Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Malbec) is not as dense as either the M-Bar or Vine Hill Ranch cuvee, but it offers a beautiful marriage of power and elegance. Cedar wood, creme de cassis, spice box, and dried herb aromas soar from the glass of this medium-bodied, beautifully balanced, elegant Private Reserve, which is somewhat reminiscent of MondaviÕs 1978. ItÕs all about harmony, balance, and finesse in 2002. Drink it over the next 15+ years.

Mainly from To Kalon grapes, this dark, young wine is not showing its best now. It hasn't pulled the oak, alcohol, acids, tannins and fruit together into a seamless package. The individual parts stick out, nakedly, yet possess an innate balance. Mondavi Reserves age well; this one should start to open by 2010 and hold for years after.

Starts simple but gains, displaying elegance and refinement, grace and nuance.-Robert Mondavi vertical (December 2015). Drink now through 2020. 8,100 cases made.