At a glance

Producer

CK Mondavi & Family

Region

California, USA

Grape variety

Cabernet Sauvignon

Wine type

Red

Body

Full-bodied and Smooth

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$6–$10 USD

Tasting profile

Ripe black cherry, plum, a hint of mocha; subtle oak, smooth tannins, easy-drinking

Evolution: Fruit-forward and fresh in youth; minor softening of tannins with time

At peak: Soft, round, and approachable—optimal now through 2024

Structure

Acidity

Medium (balanced for casual drinking)

Tannins

Moderate, soft and approachable

Alcohol

13–13.5% ABV

Aging potential

Meant for early consumption; best within 2–3 years of vintage

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2023 to 2024

Optimal window

2022 to 2025

Current status

Ready to drink

Current condition

At or near peak for style; fresher in first two years after vintage

CK Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon is crafted for immediate enjoyment, prioritizing ripe fruit and smooth drinkability rather than complex aging. The wine will retain its best character for 1–3 years after vintage.

Food pairing

Burger, BBQ, pizza, grilled sausages, tacos, mild cheddar, roast chicken, weeknight pasta.

Serving

Serving temperature

16–18°C / 61–64°F

Decant

Not required

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 6/10

CK Mondavi & Family participates in the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance (CSWA) and holds California Certified Sustainable certification for their vineyards and winery. Practices include water use monitoring, cover crop management, integrated pest management, and energy efficiency in production. Packaging utilizes lighter-weight bottles and recyclable materials, and the winery often invests in community initiatives.

While not organic or biodynamic, CK Mondavi & Family attain baseline sustainability through the California Certified Sustainable program, including third-party audits, environmentally mindful farming and resource management, and a lower-carbon packaging strategy. Their scale prevents the most artisanal approaches, but the brand meaningfully exceeds generic mass-market standards for environmental practices among value-focused US producers.