2023 Continuum Sentium Sauvignon Blanc

Continuum is the Mondavi family’s new winemaking venture. It is a 41-acre estate on Pritchard Hill in Napa Valley. It is run by Tim Mondavi and his sister Marcia Mondavi. Their father was the legendary Robert Mondavi, who died in 2008. Four years before Robert’s death the family sold the Robert Mondavi Corp. to Constellation Brands, and in 2005 Robert, Tim and Marcia founded Continuum. Tim was for four decades part of the winemaking team at Mondavi, and helped craft many of the luxury cuvees that the Mondavi family were part of, including Opus One. So far Continuum is concentrating on a proprietary red, which is a Bordeaux style blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Robert M. Parker Jr. rated the debut vintage at 95+ pts and called it “a brilliant beginning.”

Mendocino AVA was established in 1984 and amended in 1989. It includes numerous sub-appellations. Mendocino AVA is entirely within Mendocino County, and the AVA is known for its Mediterranean climate. Vintners successfully grow Carignan, Charbono, Grenache, Zinfandel, Petit Sirah and Syrah. In cooler parts of the region Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are also grown. Mendocino County is home to nearly 600 vineyards, and many have been certified organic for decades, thanks to the region’s famous “green and sustainable” approach to agriculture and nearly everything else. Mendocino was named for 16th century explorers, a pair of brothers whose last name was Mendoza. Winemaking, however, didn’t start until the 19th century when some would-be gold miners decided it was more profitable to make wine than to pan for gold. Italian immigrants in the late 19th century continued to establish winemaking ventures.

This crisp, dry white wine hails from France but is grown in wine regions around the world. In California, it is sometimes called Fume Blanc; while in Sauternes, it is a component of their famous dessert wines.