Aroma’s van cassis, grafiet en viooltjes zetten de toon voor de jaargang 2023 van Proprietary Red. Deze wijn is een Napa Valley -blend van Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot en Petit Verdot, geproduceerd op Continuum Estate. Achter de fruitige aroma’s schuilt een vleugje hartige kruiden. Hoewel de wijn geconcentreerd is, is hij geenszins zwaar; hij wordt gedragen door een solide verfijning en de smaak mondt uit in een lange, zuivere afdronk.
De oogst van 2023 leverde een hoge opbrengst op en het bleef tot aan de oogst ongewoon koel. Dit langzame rijpingsproces resulteert in een wijn die wordt gekenmerkt door frisheid in plaats van zwaarte.
De wijngaarden van Continuum liggen op hoogtes variërend van 1.300 tot 1.600 voet, waarbij 38 acres van het 173 acres grote landgoed beplant zijn met wijnstokken. Tim en Marcia Mondavi richtten Continuum op na de verkoop van Robert Mondavi Winery.
De wijn rijpt 22 maanden, waarvan 56% in nieuwe Franse eikenhouten vaten, 43% in neutrale Franse eikenhouten vaten en 1% in betonnen amforen. Het wordt aanbevolen om deze jonge wijn te decanteren bij het openen. Hij komt het best tot zijn recht tussen 2027 en 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.
