Robert Mondavi

Robert Mondavi Winery is one of the most influential and pioneering wineries in Napa Valley, California. Established in 1966 by **Robert Mondavi**, the winery played a crucial role in elevating the reputation of American wines, particularly Napa Valley, to world-class status.

### **1. General Information**

- **Location**: Oakville, Napa Valley, California

- **Ownership**: Constellation Brands (acquired in 2004)

- **Winemaker**: Geneviève Janssens (Director of Winemaking)

### **2. History & Legacy**

- **1966**: Robert Mondavi, after a family dispute at Charles Krug Winery, founds his namesake winery in Oakville, Napa Valley, with a vision to produce wines that rival France’s finest.

- **1968**: Introduces **Fumé Blanc**, a dry, oak-aged Sauvignon Blanc, to reinvent the varietal in the U.S.

- **1976**: Participates in the famous **"Judgment of Paris"** tasting, helping to put Napa Valley wines on the global map.

- **1979**: Partners with Baron Philippe de Rothschild (Château Mouton Rothschild) to create **Opus One**, a Bordeaux-style red blend.

- **1990s–2000s**: Expansion into Italy and joint ventures with wineries around the world.

- **2004**: The winery is acquired by Constellation Brands, though Mondavi’s legacy remains strong.

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### **3. Vineyards & Terroir**

- **To Kalon Vineyard (Oakville, Napa Valley)**:

- One of Napa’s most revered vineyards, known for **Cabernet Sauvignon** and **Fumé Blanc**.

- Deep gravelly soils provide excellent drainage and concentration of flavors.

- **Stags Leap District, Carneros, and other Napa sites** contribute to their diverse portfolio.

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### **4. Signature Wines & Styles**

- **Fumé Blanc (Sauvignon Blanc)** – First introduced in 1968, now an iconic, oak-aged Sauvignon Blanc.

- **Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon** – A benchmark Napa Valley Cab, sourced from To Kalon Vineyard.

- **Opus One (Joint Venture with Mouton Rothschild)** – A premium Bordeaux-style red blend.

- **Pinot Noir & Chardonnay** – Produced from Carneros and Napa sites.

- **The Estates Collection** – Focused on single-vineyard expressions.

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### **5. Winemaking Philosophy**

- Focus on **terroir-driven wines** that express the character of Napa Valley.

- Blend of **traditional techniques** (hand-harvesting, small-lot fermentation) with **modern innovation**.

- Use of **French oak aging** to enhance structure and complexity.

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### **6. Visiting the Winery**

- **Location**: 7801 St. Helena Hwy, Oakville, CA 94562

- **Tours & Tastings**: Offers vineyard tours, barrel tastings, and reserve wine experiences.

- **Architecture**: Spanish-style mission design, reflecting Mondavi’s vision of blending tradition with modernity.

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### **7. Impact & Influence**

- One of the **first Napa Valley wineries** to emphasize quality winemaking on an international scale.

- Pioneered **wine education and hospitality**, making wine accessible to the public.

- Inspired a generation of California winemakers to pursue excellence.