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96 AG. "I was super-impressed with the two wines I tasted from Continuum, Tim Mondavi's new venture on Pritchard Hill, not far from Chappellet and Bryant. Mondavi is gradually moving towards 100% estate fruit, but these early vintages include some fruit from vineyards in Oakville and Stag's Leap. Continuum is also distinguished by a fairly large presence of Cabernet Franc. This is one of the most exciting new properties in Napa Valley. The 2008 Continuum is a striking wine endowed with gorgeous aromatics, expressive fruit and flat-out great balance. Espresso, grilled herbs, licorice and violets add complexity to the super-ripe black fruit. Despite the wine's textural richness and opulence, there is plenty of underlying structure. This is a totally captivating wine. I can't wait to taste it in another 5 years. In 2008 Continuum is 71% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Cabernet Franc, 7% Petit Verdot and 5% Merlot, most of which is estate grown fruit from the winery's vineyards on Pritchard Hill. Fermentation and maceration was quite long, and averaged 35 days. The wine was aged in 100% new oak barrels." Vinous, Dec 2011 |