Des arômes de cassis, de graphite et de violette donnent le ton au millésime 2023 du « Proprietary Red ». Ce vin est un assemblage de la Napa Valley composé de cabernet sauvignon, de cabernet franc, de merlot et de petit verdot, élaboré au domaine Continuum Estate. Derrière les arômes fruités, une touche d’herbes aromatiques persiste. Bien que concentré, il n’est en aucun cas lourd ; il repose sur une sophistication affirmée, et sa saveur se prolonge jusqu’à une finale longue et nette.
Le millésime 2023 a connu un rendement élevé, et un temps inhabituellement frais a persisté jusqu’à la récolte. Ce lent processus de maturation donne un vin caractérisé par sa fraîcheur plutôt que par sa lourdeur.
Les vignobles de Continuum sont situés à des altitudes comprises entre 1 300 et 1 600 pieds ; sur les 173 acres du domaine, 38 acres sont plantés de vignes. Tim et Marcia Mondavi ont fondé Continuum après avoir vendu la Robert Mondavi Winery.
Le vin est élevé pendant 22 mois, dont 56 % en fûts de chêne français neufs, 43 % en fûts de chêne français neutres et 1 % dans des amphores en béton. Il est recommandé de décanter ce vin jeune avant de le servir. Il se dégustera idéalement entre 2027 et 2044.
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.
