W.S. vs Mondavi

[ddf68]

I haven't read the Wine Spectator article yet, but I have read Parker's latest issue on Northern California. He had much the same to say--harsh criticism of the Mondavis for playing away from Napa's strengths (ripe, lush, fruity, hedonistic, etc.). I haven't had any of the Mondavi '98s and maybe they're not up to Mondavi standards, but I have a hard time believing the criticism I read was warranted. We all know what Parker likes and he (and Laube) are certainly entitled to their stylistic preferences. However, being an effective critic requires some objectivity and Parker seems to have lost it, at least with respect to the Mondavis.

For the opposite viewpoint, read the Steve Tanzer/International Wine Cellar, e.g., "Mondavi is intentionally crafting wines that can be consumed with dinner, as opposed to high-alcohol, heavily oaked monsters that are more appropriate as meal substitutes."

ddf

[This message has been edited by ddf68 (edited 06-29-2001).]