A standout Napa producer, Continuum was founded in 2005 by Tim Mondavi (a visionary in starting Opus One) and Marcia Mondavi Borger. The winery focuses on a red wine, their Continuum which is a silky blend of Cabernet, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Merlot. Fruit is hand-harvested, sorted before and after de-stemming, then gravity fed into a combination of specially designed small French oak and cement tanks, with a small amount going to French oak barrels for fermentation. Each lot has a lengthy maceration time, ranging from 21-43 days. During this time, pump overs and below the cap lees stirring are enacted daily. The wine is then stored in 85% new small French oak barrels for 19-20 months. Tim Mondavi who for 30 years ran Robert Mondavi’s premium wine program and was involved in the winemaking for Opus One, is the winemaker for Continuum.
I recently had the chance to try their 2012 Continuum Red Wine (WWB, 95) which was an excellent aged effort that comes from a highly compelling vintage. This wine had incredible intensity, fruit weight and lovely minerality. It is a memorable wine that will cellar well for 20 years. Learn more about this great winery at http://www.continuumestate.com
2012 Continuum Red Wine- The 2012 Continuum Red Wine is an intense blend of 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Cabernet Franc, 6% Merlot and 5% Petit Verdot. You are immediately drawn to the uber-dense aromatics of sweet pipe tobacco, creme de cassis, anise and spicebox with black cherry pie. The plush texture is sumptuous. Flavors of hoisin sauce, black cherry compote, creme de cassis and mocha complete this majestic drinking experience. The fruit weight is gorgeous as is the silky mouthfeel. Enjoy this wine over the next two decades or possibly more. Drink 2017-2035- 95