Winemaker Notes
The 2019 Continuum showcases the highest percentage of Cabernet Franc to date revealing the volcanic site and native attributes of Sage Mountain Vineyard. A lively and expressive nose with lifted red fruit, hibiscus, and delicate floral notes. The plush entry on the palate reveals concentrated dark fruit, and youthful black mulberry interweaving with layers of savory wild herb, exotic spice, and graphite. The 2019 Continuum’s mountain fruit expression is enveloped by a supple and silky texture with velvety fine tannins and ferrous minerality. Pleasing all the way though- the 2019 Continuum is an elevated and lush dance of power and grace on the palate.
Blend: 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 37% Cabernet Franc, 7% Petit Verdot, 6% Merlot
Watch a tasting to celebrate 100 years in wine and an unbroken string of 100 harvests with The Mondavi Family! 2019 Continuum is a singularly significant vintage marking the 100th harvest for the families of Tim and Marcia Mondavi. Wine.com host Gwendolyn Osborn leads this special tasting with Tim Mondavi, Carissa Mondavi and Brian Mondavi Borger. Watch the tasting here.
Critical Acclaim
All VintagesFrom the mighty estate site on Pritchard Hill, this robustly muscular wine consists of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 37% Cabernet Franc (the highest amount ever), 7% Petit Verdot and 6% Merlot. Herbal, it shows notes of violet, graphite and tobacco alongside layers of rich red and black currant. The tannins are substantial and grippy, not quite ready to play nice on the palate. Lay this one down and enjoy it best 2029.
Continuum is the culmination of four generations of the Mondavi family in wine. Tim and Marcia, along with their families, focused on finding an exceptional hillside site in pursuit of a wine that would rank among the greatest in the world. The Continuum estate is located on Pritchard Hill along the eastern ridge of Napa Valley, high above Oakville, Sage Mountain Vineyard is nested in nature, with rocky volcanic soils producing a small, precious crop. This site yields wine of power, depth, nuance and verve.
Tim Mondavi believes that wine is an artistic expression of man's harmony with nature and as such, the winegrowing practices at Continuum estate honor and support the vineyards through balancing the essence of classic techniques with modern day innovations and organic farming. Continuum's goal is to craft balanced wine of power, finesse and elegance - red wines that are expressions of the land, the people and the vintage.
Undoubtedly proving its merit over and over, Napa Valley is a now a leading force in the world of prestigious red wine regions. Though Cabernet Sauvignon dominates Napa Valley, other red varieties certainly thrive here. Important but often overlooked include Merlot and other Bordeaux varieties well-regarded on their own as well as for their blending capacities. Very old vine Zinfandel represents an important historical stronghold for the region and Pinot noir is produced in the cooler southern parts, close to the San Pablo Bay.
Perfectly situated running north to south, the valley acts as a corridor, pulling cool, moist air up from the San Pablo Bay in the evenings during the hot days of the growing season, which leads to even and slow grape ripening. Furthermore the valley claims over 100 soil variations including layers of volcanic, gravel, sand and silt—a combination excellent for world-class red wine production.