World-first rum barrel-aged Merlot straight from Napa Valley

Robert Mondavi Private Selection has launched a world-first with the limited release barrel-aged 2018 Robert Mondavi Rum Barrel-Aged Merlot, along with two other releases - the 2018 Robert Mondavi Bourbon Barrel-Aged Chardonnay and 2018 Robert Mondavi Bourbon Barrel-Aged Cabernet Sauvignon.

The unique spirit barrel-aged Private Selection wines bring together some of California’s best winemaking and viticultural practices alongside world-renowned Southern traditions, bringing complexity and exceptional depth of flavour that cannot be achieved otherwise.

The limited release Robert Mondavi Private Selection barrel- aged wines also represent a forward-looking winemaking approach. By tweaking the time-tested process of barrel- aging, the new range features a familiar depth and substance with a twist of something modern.

All three Private Selection wines are sourced from premium vineyards along the Californian Monterey Coast - a dynamic growing region which is recognised for its ideal blend of fog, wind, chill and warm sunshine, almost every day, along with its ancient soils. This enviable terroir delivers pristine fruit with an unmistakable sense of place - exceptional flavour, character and balance. Once picked, the grapes are blended, aged and then portions go into the barrel-aging process. The wines spend between three and 10 months within 100% American Bourbon and Rum barrels to deliver flavours of vanilla, toasty oak and baking spices, and provide further structure.

“We are really proud of the latest Private Selection wines, especially being first-to-market with the Rum Barrel-Aged Merlot. These wines are crafted to be true reflections of their origins but with a unique barrel-aged twist. They are a modern take on world-class Californian wines,” says Glen Caughell Winemaker at Robert Mondavi Private Selection.

“Our philosophy at Robert Mondavi Private Selection has always been centred around innovation – passed on from our founding winemaker Robert Mondavi’s trailblazing legacy and ingenuity. We are thrilled to be able to launch this boundary kicking innovation – a perfect balance of premium Californian coastal fruit and barrel complexity to produce cleverly structured and expressive wines.”

The 2018 Bourbon Barrel-Aged Chardonnay, Bourbon barrel-aged for nine months, is golden straw in colour with intense aromas of grilled pineapple, baked spice pear, toasted marshmallow and vanilla bean. Flavours of grilled pineapple, toffee, with baking spices and toasty oak. This rich, creamy and concentrated wine has balanced acidity and a lingering finish.