10 Luscious Robert Mondavi Merlot Bottles: Tasting Notes, Prices

The luscious Robert Mondavi Merlot wines blend meticulous craftsmanship with the traditions of oak aging and dark rum barrel aging.

The phenomenal grapes for these wines are sourced from California’s Central Coast vineyards, including Napa’s famed “To Kalon” Vineyard.  This article explores Robert Mondavi’s esteemed Merlot wine styles, 10 fantastic bottles, and some delicious food pairings with these exotic wines.

The 2 Robert Mondavi Merlot Wine Styles

There are two different Robert Mondavi Merlot wines: 

• Rum Barrel-Aged Merlot: Made from the finest Merlot grapes using traditional Californian winemaking techniques and aging in rum barrels, this Merlot has a unique sensory profile. The cooling breezes of the Pacific Ocean help slow the ripening process, adding distinctive aromas and a flavor of ripe plum. 

The 2017 vintage won gold at the 2019 Denver International Wine Competition.

• Robert Mondavi Merlot Private Selection: The fruit for the Robert Mondavi Private Selection Merlot red wine grows on California’s Central Coast vineyards, imbuing rich aromas of tea leaf, dark ripe cherry, and Asian plum. Aging in oak barrels gives it a lingering finish. 

Merlot is also used in the Robert Mondavi Rye Barrels Red Blend. It is a rye barrel-aged red wine comprising Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, and Petit Verdot.

A bottle of Robert Mondavi’s Merlot wine has an alcohol content of about 14%, slightly higher than Pinot Noir. 

10 Exceptional Robert Mondavi Merlots

Here are some of the best Robert Mondavi Merlot you can buy right now: 

• 2018 Robert Mondavi Private Selection Merlot
• 2017 Robert Mondavi Private Selection Merlot
• 2017 Robert Mondavi Winery Napa Valley Merlot
• 2012 Robert Mondavi Winery Napa Valley Merlot
• 2018 Robert Mondavi Private Selection Rum Barrel Aged Merlot
• 2017 Robert Mondavi Private Selection Rum Barrel Aged Merlot
• 2019 Robert Mondavi Winery Coastal Merlot
• 2016 Robert Mondavi Private Selection Merlot
• 1996 Robert Mondavi Winery Carneros Merlot 
• 1998 Robert Mondavi Winery Carneros Merlot

1. 2018 Robert Mondavi Private Selection Merlot ($10)

Robert Mondavi’s 2018 vintage offers an aroma of red fruit, Asian plum, black olive, and toasty oak with a lingering finish.

2. 2017 Robert Mondavi Private Selection Merlot ($10)

This Napa Valley Merlot has a deep ruby color with aromas of plum, stewed fruit, and vanilla. It offers a smooth palate with fine tannin and flavors of ripe red cherry and sweet oak.

3. 2017 Robert Mondavi Winery Napa Valley Merlot ($36)

A rosy, ruby-colored red wine offers a precise and expressive aroma. Medium-bodied, the wine has a fruity palate with notes of black cherry, ripe plum, red licorice, and cola.

4. 2012 Robert Mondavi Winery Napa Valley Merlot ($33)

The 2012 vintage offers a dark color with tea leaves and baking spice on the nose. When tasting, there are notes of pepper, dark ripe cherry, and leather.

5. 2018 Robert Mondavi Private Selection Rum Barrel Aged Merlot ($15)

A plush Merlot with hints of dark cherry and black plum gives way to subtle black pepper and fresh tobacco notes. The wine delivers a rich texture with velvety tannins.

6. 2017 Robert Mondavi Private Selection Rum Barrel Aged Merlot ($15)

This California wine has a warm nose of blackberry, plum, and baking spice that gives way to black cherry, chocolate, and oaky flavors, and smooth tannin. 

7. 2019 Robert Mondavi Winery Coastal Merlot ($11)

With Merlot as the primary grape of the wine, this 2019 vintage gives off black raspberry aromas accentuated by green pepper scents, while flavors of green pepper and plums grace the palate.

8. 2016 Robert Mondavi Winery Merlot Private Selection ($10)

This Robert Mondavi wine is a smooth Merlot with fruity notes of blackberry, plum, black cherry, and vanilla. High tannin and a full body make this a delightful wine.

9. 1996 Robert Mondavi Winery Carneros Merlot ($85)

The 1996 Merlot vintage displays bright layers of berry, plum, violets, and spice.

10. 1998 Robert Mondavi Winery Carneros Merlot ($41)

This complex Carneros Merlot displays rich, soft plum, black cherry, and berry flavors with nuances of violets, mocha, and spices.

Let’s explore some of the best foods to pair with your delicious bottle of Robert Mondavi Merlot.

Robert Mondavi Merlot Food Pairings

The complex flavors of Robert Mondavi’s rum-barrel-aged Merlot wine pairs beautifully with chicken dishes, coconut curry, and pasta. 

Mondavi’s classic Merlot pairs beautifully with rotisserie chicken, roast veal, pork chops, cheesy gratins, hamburgers, hearty pasta dishes with a bolognese sauce, ribs, and grilled steak.

Add A Delicious Bottle Of Robert Mondavi Merlot To Your Collection

Made with only the finest Merlot grapes grown in Napa Valley, Robert Mondavi’s Merlot red wine is prized for its distinctive aromas and bright acidity. 

Pairing beautifully with meaty dishes like rotisserie chicken or pasta with a bolognese sauce, a bottle of this Merlot is perfect for every celebration.

Check out the Vinovest website to buy, store, and sell authentic Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay, or any other Napa Valley wine with ease!