2011 Continuum Proprietary Red

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.”

Oakville AVA is one of the two or three most prestigious appellations in the United States. Located in the heart of Napa Valley, its 5,000 vineyard acres produce some of the world’s most acclaimed Cabernet Sauvignon, including such California “cult” Cabs as Screaming Eagle and Harlan Estate. Before those boutique producers rose to fame in the 1990s, Oakville was already renowned as home to Robert Mondavi, Opus One and Groth Vineyards, among others. Along with the famous wineries, there are premier vineyards in this AVA, including Martha’s Vineyard and To Kalon Vineyard. To Kalon was first planted in 1868 by H.W. Crabb, one of California’s first viticultural researchers, and he named the vineyard after the ancient Greek phrase for “most beautiful.” Though many grapes can be successfully grown in Oakville, Cabernet Sauvignon is king. Merlot and Chardonnay are also frequently planted. Oakville Cabs are prized for their richness, complexity and weight. Oakville was designated as an AVA in 1993.