A strong showing for this offering from Mondavi 1986 was a transitional year for the Mondavi philosophy of Cabernet Sauvignon winemaking. The unfiltered school of winemaking which ended in 1974 resumed in 1987 yet had not taken full hold in 1986. Nevertheless Mondavi had already moved away from the excessive manipulation and acidification practiced during the 1975-1985 era. The 1986 reveals a deep ruby/garnet color with an opaque middle and vague lightening at the edge. The expressive bouquet offers up scents of jammy cassis tobacco and damp earth. Sweet and ripe this full-bodied soft seamless velvety-textured wine was tasting exceptionally well. Although fully mature it is capable of lasting another 7-10 years. A very delicious complex elegant Cabernet.