Continuum Estate Proprietary Red 2018 - 1.5 Litre Bottle

Continuum Estate was founded in 2005 and is located on Pritchard Hill in the Vaca Mountains, the range that forms the Eastern boundary above Napa Valley.  The winery concentrates on producing Bordeaux-style red wine blends.

"The best grape-growing region in Napa Valley you’ve probably never heard of is Pritchard Hill", according to Wine Enthusiast.  "It’s not even an official appellation yet—and may never be one.  But this high part of the Vaca Mountains, off the beaten path and remote, is producing among the most profound wines in Napa Valley."

Continuum is a partnership between Tim Mondavi, his sister Marcia, and originally with Margrit Mondavi (died in 2016). The late Robert Mondavi was also a founding partner. The Mondavi family first immigrated to the United States in 1906, coming west to California in the early 1920’s. They are part of the rich viticulture history in the Napa Valley and today are one of Napa’s most well-respected winemaking families.

100 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

Composed of 54% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Cabernet Franc, 9% Petit Verdot and 6% Merlot, the deep garnet-purple 2018 Proprietary Red has a fantastically fragrant nose of candied violets, red roses, Morello cherries and blackcurrant pastilles with hints of wild blueberries, red currant jelly, iron ore and forest floor, plus a waft of cinnamon stick. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is completely packed with tightly wound black and red berry layers, framed by firm, ripe, finely grained tannins and seamless freshness, finishing with incredibly persistent and evocative floral and mineral layers. An absolute head-turner, this 2018 is all that and then some.

100 Points - James Suckling

This has incredible nuances and delicacy with power. It’s full-bodied with lots of gentle tannins that spread across the palate. The character is full of blackberry, blackcurrant and lead pencil. Some conifer and pine needles. Sage at the end, too. Savoury. So long-lasting and layered. Such purity. It’s so complex and changes all the time in the glass. Goes on for minutes. Organically grown grapes. So drinkable now, but will age beautifully.