Continuum 2023 Sage Mountain Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley

99 Points - limited   
Continuum is the new tiny production Cabernet from the Mondavi Family. Extremely limited.

100 Points Robert Parker Wine Advocate: "A look at the base blend of Continuum's 2023 Proprietary Red suggests that great things are to come. Right now, the proportions are 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Cabernet Franc, 6% Merlot and 4% Petit Verdot, but that could still change a bit prior to bottling next year. Cherries and berries swirl together easily on the nose, joined by hints of violets and sage, while the medium to full-bodied palate is intensely concentrated yet not heavy, exhibiting fantastic length and richness on the finish."

99 Points Jeb Dunnuck: "Looking at the Continuum 2023 Proprietary Red Wine, it shows the purity and finesse of the vintage with an almost Lafite-like sense of finesse and elegance. Based on 46% Cabernet Sauvignon, 41% Cabernet Franc, 7% Merlot, and 6% Petit Verdot and aged 22 months in 56% new French oak with 43% neutral French oak and 1% concrete amphora, it offers cassis, freshly sharpened pencils, graphite, and savory tobacco and floral nuances. It's medium to full-bodied on the palate, has a flawlessly balanced mouthfeel, ultra-fine tannins, and a great finish. It brings just a hint of that classic mountain-like terroir in its concentration, yet the purity, finesse, and sheer class are truly exceptional. Give it 4-6 years, and this will keep for 30 years or more. Drink 2029-2054."

99 Points James Suckling: “Very aromatic, showing red currants, terra-cotta, rose petals and hints of violets. Medium-bodied, offering strawberries, cherries and orange peel alongside medium velvety tannins. Savory and fruity with a pure, primary aftertaste. Like beautifully picked cabernet at just the right time. Near-perfect. This marks owner Tim Mondavi’s 50th vintage. A blend of 46% cabernet sauvignon, 41% cabernet franc, 7% merlot and 6% petit verdot. Drink or hold."

Robert Parker: "..I was super-impressed with the wines I tasted from Continuum Estate, Tim Mondavi’s new venture on Pritchard Hill, not far from Chappellet and Bryant Family.  Mondavi is gradually moving towards 100% estate fruit, but these early vintages include some fruit from vineyards in Oakville and Stags Leap. Continuum is distinguished by a fairly large presence of Cabernet Franc. This is one of the most exciting new properties in Napa Valley."

Brix26 Inside Scoop:  After the sale of the Robert Mondavi winery, winemaker Tim Mondavi chose to focus on one wine and one varietal: Continuum is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon.  Sourced from Continuum's Estate vineyard on Napa Valley's Pritchard Hill, one of the priciest Cabernet regions in all of California with neighbors like Colgin, Bryant Family and Chappellet.  It's a beautiful site and judging from the Continuum 2013 Cabernet will be among Napa's most coveted collector wines.