Aromen von Cassis, Graphit und Veilchen prägen den Jahrgang 2023 des „Proprietary Red“. Dieser Wein ist eine Cuvée aus dem Napa Valley aus den Rebsorten Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot und Petit Verdot, die auf dem Weingut Continuum Estate gekeltert wurde. Hinter den fruchtigen Aromen verharre ein Hauch von würzigen Kräutern. Obwohl er konzentriert ist, wirkt er keineswegs schwer; er zeichnet sich durch solide Raffinesse aus, und der Geschmack mündet in einen langen, sauberen Abgang.
Der Jahrgang 2023 zeichnete sich durch einen hohen Ertrag aus, und bis zur Lese herrschte ungewöhnlich kühles Wetter. Dieser langsame Reifeprozess führt zu einem Wein, der sich eher durch Frische als durch Schwere auszeichnet.
Die Weinberge von Continuum liegen auf Höhen zwischen 1.300 und 1.600 Fuß, wobei 38 Acres des 173 Acres großen Anwesens mit Reben bepflanzt sind. Tim und Marcia Mondavi gründeten Continuum, nachdem sie die Robert Mondavi Winery verkauft hatten.
Der Wein reift 22 Monate lang, wobei 56 % in neuen französischen Eichenfässern, 43 % in neutralen französischen Eichenfässern und 1 % in Betonamphoren reifen. Es wird empfohlen, diesen jungen Wein beim Öffnen zu dekantieren. Er lässt sich am besten zwischen 2027 und 2044 genießen.
Robert Parker (99)
97-100
A look at the base blend of Continuum's 2023 Proprietary Red suggests that great things are to come. Right now, the proportions are 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Cabernet Franc, 6% Merlot and 4% Petit Verdot, but that could still change a bit prior to bottling next year. Cherries and berries swirl together easily on the nose, joined by hints of violets and sage, while the medium to full-bodied palate is intensely concentrated yet not heavy, exhibiting fantastic length and richness on the finish.
Winespectator (97)
This is gorgeous, with a vivid beam of red currant, boysenberry and morello cherry paste that shows tension and energy. Everything is braced by a rusted iron spine and flecked throughout with chaparral and pennyroyal. The nearly rigid structure is well-encased in ample fruit, giving this excellent precision. Echoes of mulberry and sagebrush linger. Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot.
James Suckling (99)
Very aromatic, showing red currants, terra-cotta, rose petals and hints of violets. Medium-bodied, offering strawberries, cherries and orange peel alongside medium velvety tannins. Savory and fruity with a pure, primary aftertaste. Like beautifully picked cabernet at just the right time. Near-perfect. This marks owner Tim Mondavi’s 50th vintage. A blend of 46% cabernet sauvignon, 41% cabernet franc, 7% merlot and 6% petit verdot. Drink or hold.
Vinous (97)
The 2023 Continuum Sage Mountain Vineyard is one of the most polished, sophisticated wines I have tasted here. Floral overtones meld into a core of red/purplish fruit, blood orange, cinnamon and rose petal. Fine, silky tannins further reinforce an impression of total finesse. This is really such a different style for Continuum. It will be interesting to see if that is the vintage or the overall direction.
Jeb Dunnuck (99)
Looking at the 2023 Proprietary Red Wine, it shows the purity and finesse of the vintage with an almost Lafite-like sense of finesse and elegance. Based on 46% Cabernet Sauvignon, 41% Cabernet Franc, 7% Merlot, and 6% Petit Verdot and aged 22 months in 56% new French oak with 43% neutral French oak and 1% concrete amphora, it offers cassis, freshly sharpened pencils, graphite, and savory tobacco and floral nuances. It's medium to full-bodied on the palate, has a flawlessly balanced mouthfeel, ultra-fine tannins, and a great finish. It brings just a hint of that classic mountain-like terroir in its concentration, yet the purity, finesse, and sheer class are truly exceptional. Give it 4-6 years, and this will keep for 30 years or more.
