Robert Mondavi Private Selection Pinot Grigio Central Coast California 2014: Very pale yellow; pear, lemon, citrus nose; tart lemon, some spice, little lime, grapefruit and green apple on the palate. Simple, straightforward wine built to please with restrained sweetness and acidity to make a easy drinking summer sipper at easy price. Robert Mondavi is part of Constellation Brands, a company founded in Canandaigua, New York in 1945 that has grown to be the #1 premium wine producer in the world, the #3 beer company in the U.S., the #1 wine company in Canada and New Zealand. Outside the U.S., it has operations in Canada, Mexico, New Zealand, and Italy. Some of its top brands include Clos du Bois, Corona, Arbor Mist, Modelo, Kim Crawford, Black Velvet, Svedka Vodka, Ravenswood, Franciscan Estate, Mark West, Manischewitz, Mouton Cadet, and many more in its 100-plus portfolio of brands. Constellation purchased Robert Mondavi in 2004 for $1.03 billion, immediately making it a leader in both high end wines and mass distribution consumer wines such as this Private Selection offering. Simple pinot grigio, yes, but very nice for the price. $9
