Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi Summer Whites

A short time ago we wrote about the new sweet wines from Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi. We can assure all of the people who enjoy the other, drier wines of Woodbridge, that they will still be available and if possible, better than ever.

To usher in the warm seasons when we dine on lighter fare and do more outdoor eating, Woodbridge has brought out their latest vintages of the more popular white wines; chardonnay, sauvignon blanc and pinot grigio.

Just as a side note, if the name Robert Mondavi appears on the label you can be assured of the best quality for your wine buying dollar. It is the price of the grapes that determines the final selling price of a wine. Some of the grapes for the Woodbridge wines come from vineyards owned by Mondavi while the balance are purchased from vineyards in the Lodi California area from vineyards who grow almost exclusively for Mondavi. These grapes are not inferior to grapes grown in the famous Napa or Sonoma districts; they are cousins and you know cousins can look similar but there will also be differences. It is the differences that determine the final price of the grapes and thus the wine.

2011 was an interesting vintage year which started off with rain, so it took a while for the grapes to form. The rest of the growing season was fine but the poor start resulted in smaller and fewer grapes per bunch, a situation that is not altogether bad because the fewer the grapes, the more intense their flavor. In truth, we have never been disappointed with a Woodbridge wine and as an everyday table wine, they are absolutely terrific.

Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi 2011 Chardonnay ($7.99). Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi 2011 Chardonnay is undoubtedly one of the best chardonnay wine values in this very affordable price range. The wine is made to be open and fruity in the true California style and by the fine hand of the Mondavi winemakers. The wine’s light and attractive golden color announces the prominent aromas of green apples and summer flowers. These aromas continue right through to the flavor where they are joined by pear and a hint of baked apple, cinnamon and just the right amount of toasted oak in the background. We found this to be a wine that is very easy to drink, enjoyable and an excellent buy for the money.

Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi 2011 Sauvignon Blanc ($7.99). It is hard to get excited over a Sauvignon Blanc. All too often these wines are relegated solely to the position of “the” wine to accompany shellfish, which it does very well. With a little creative winemaking, Woodbridge has expanded the horizons of the variety to include many foods not often associated with Sauvignon Blanc. It is typical of a California sauvignon blanc, but without accenting the grassy aroma that is often associated with the variety. Both the aroma and the flavor stress the citrus and tropical fruit with pineapple and lime in the background. The Woodbridge 2011 Sauvignon Blanc lives in the best of two worlds. It can well accompany shellfish, but will also fit well with any of the lighter meats such as pork, lamb and veal as well as salads and poultry dishes.

Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi 2011 Pinot Grigio ($7.99) Wow! We could stop right there and would have said it all. If we sound excited by this wine, we are. It is a beautiful example of what the pinot grigio grape can do when they are grown in California and the wine made by superior winemakers and all this while keeping the wine at an extremely affordable price. This wine is alive with the aromas of lime and other assorted citrus. These aromas carry over to the flavor and linger in the mouth long after the wine has been finished. Do not, under any circumstance, miss this wine, it’s just too good to let pass.