Continuum "Sage Mountain Vineyard" Proprietary Red 2022

Continuum was founded by Tim Mondavi and his sister Marcia Mondavi following the sale of the Robert Mondavi Winery. The children of the late Napa icon sought a sight which could produce a world class wine, ultimately settling down high up on Pritchard Hill. Today, the family produces the wine entirely from the Sage Mountain Vineyard, continuing the Mondavi penchant for producing age-worthy Cabernet Sauvignon wines. Sage Mountain Vineyard sits on the eastern ridge of Pritchard Hill, at about 1450 feet elevation. Made up of 42 distinct parcels, planted primarily on volcanic soils, which naturally restrict the plants vigor and encourage a greater concentration in the fruit set. The 2022 Continuum is not the typical Napa blend, composed of near equal parts Cab. Sauv. (45%) and Cab. Franc (43%) with a generous inclusion of Petit Verdot (8%) and the rest Merlot. This unusually large proportion of Cab Franc contributes greatly to the wine's perfumed, herbal character while maintaining a bright textured wine. Spends 21 months on lees with 58% new French oak, 39% neutral oak, and interestingly, 3% in concrete amphorae.  This wine explodes with ripe black plums, black cherries, and black raspberry on the nose. With time and swirling, we coax out aromas of cacao, tobacco leaf, sous-boi and the characteristic garrigue (lavender, dried violets, herbs). The palate is rich, bold, and intensely structured. Tannins are definitely not lacking, they are however dense, while remaining incredibly lush. Acidity in spades to keep this wine from becoming heavy and keeps you coming back sip after sip.