Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon 2017
Full-bodied red wine, crafted in an approachable, fruit-forward style designed for immediate consumption. · Woodbridge Winery (founded by Robert Mondavi), owned by Constellation Brands, positioned as a popular mass-market and accessible everyday wine brand with significant historical roots in Lodi, California.
Vintage: 2017, a warm growing season in California that produced fruit with rich ripeness, balanced acidity, and generous dark fruit flavors across many appellations.
Type
Full-bodied red wine, crafted in an approachable, fruit-forward style designed for immediate consumption.
Producer
Woodbridge Winery (founded by Robert Mondavi), owned by Constellation Brands, positioned as a popular mass-market and accessible everyday wine brand with significant historical roots in Lodi, California.
Country
United States, a prominent New World wine producer known for pioneering modern winemaking techniques, extensive AVA classifications, and dominant global market contributions.
Vintage
2017, a warm growing season in California that produced fruit with rich ripeness, balanced acidity, and generous dark fruit flavors across many appellations.
Region & Appellation
California, California AVA, United States, representing a broad regional appellation that allows sourcing from diverse vineyards across the state.
Grape Varieties
Cabernet Sauvignon, blended with small amounts of other complementary red varieties to enhance color, structure, and softness.
Color & Appearance
Deep ruby-red color with a moderate purple rim, clear appearance, and medium viscosity with moderate legs tracing down the glass.
Aroma Profile
Aromas of ripe blackberry, black cherry, and plum, complemented by subtle undertones of vanilla, baking spice, and a hint of oak.
Tasting Notes
An approachable and fruit-forward palate featuring lush dark berry flavors, a smooth mid-palate, and a soft, easy-going finish with gentle warmth.
Flavor Profile
Dominated by blackberry and black cherry fruit flavors, accented by touches of cocoa, sweet vanilla, and subtle herbal notes from oak aging.
Body & Texture
Medium to full body with a smooth, velvety texture and soft tannins that make it exceptionally easy to drink.
Acidity & Tannins
Medium-low acidity providing a smooth mouthfeel, accompanied by soft, approachable, and well-integrated tannins with minimal astringency.
Sweetness Level
Dry, though perceived fruit ripeness gives a slight impression of plushness, with low residual sugar typical of everyday New World reds.
Alcohol Content
Approximately 13.5% ABV, standard for California Cabernet Sauvignon, providing moderate warmth on the finish.
Aging & Oak
Aged primarily in stainless steel tanks with brief contact with French and American oak staves or barrels to impart gentle vanilla and spice characteristics.
Food Pairings
Ideal with casual weeknight fare such as grilled burgers, steak fitas, pizza, roasted chicken, or hard cheeses like aged cheddar.
Serving Suggestions
Serve at slightly below room temperature (16-18°C or 60-65°F) in a universal red wine glass, with no decanting required; best enjoyed young.
Price Range
$8 to $12 USD, representing exceptional everyday value for casual wine drinkers.
Quality Assessment
Score range around 85-87 points, representing a reliable, everyday quality tier that delivers consistent style and crowd-pleasing accessibility.
Production Methods
Fermented in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks to preserve fresh fruit characteristics, followed by gentle pressing and short-term oak integration.
Terroir
Sourced from warm inland valleys of California featuring alluvial soils and ample sunshine, promoting reliable ripening and consistent flavor profiles.
History & Heritage
Established in 1979 by legendary winemaker Robert Mondavi to create high-quality, affordable daily-drinking wines based in Lodi, California.
Interesting Facts
Woodbridge was created to make the iconic Robert Mondavi style accessible to everyday American consumers, revolutionizing the market for affordable varietal wines.
Cellaring Potential
Designed for immediate consumption upon release and not recommended for long-term cellaring; best enjoyed within 3 to 5 years of the vintage.
Similar Wines
Other popular California entry-level Cabernet Sauvignons such as Barefoot, Yellow Tail, or Louis M. Martini Sonoma County for those looking to step up in complexity.