Continuum's 2019 Proprietary Red is 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 37% Cabernet Franc, 7% Petit Verdot and 6% Merlot, all from the estate vineyard on Pritchard Hill. Aged in two-thirds new French oak, with the balance in second or third-use barrels and a single concrete amphora, it's remarkably dark in hue, a deep, saturated purple in the glass. On the nose, it's floral and herbal yet fruit-driven, with violets, sage and bay leaf adding nuance to black cherries, while the palate is full-bodied, plush and silky. There's an enticing yin-yang to the interplay between high-toned herbals and bass notes of dark chocolate in this dense, concentrated effort that finishes lush and long. It's a magnificent wine that should drink well for at least two decades.
BOW (9)
Jancis Robinson (18.50)
The 15th vintage of Continuum and 100th anniversary of Mondavi in California. 100% estate grown and made. 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 37% Cabernet Franc, 7% Petit Verdot, 6% Merlot.
Lovely aromas with a mix of red and dark plums and cherries, mountain sage and a light touch of mint. The nose has a good balance of complexity and detail as well as freshness. This continues into the mouth with a lot of finesse and length. Impressively fine-grained tannin, a wash of mouth-watering acidity and a lot of persistence. This is an elevated, elegant, fine-tuned and beautiful, impressive wine. Dark-chocolate notes emerge in the mid palate, bringing a touch of richness as well as depth. Pink grapefruit accents the length of the palate, bringing a persistently refreshing quality even on a palate unafraid of rich flavour. The focus here though is on finesse and detail. Well done. Delicious and impressively drinkable now. Wow. (ECB)
Winespectator (95)
Expressive and vivid, with cassis, blueberry reduction and plum preserves mixed amicably together, while licorice, warm fruitcake, sassafras and baker's chocolate line the finish. A long, subtle cast iron note echoes as the fruit lingers, making for an alluring contrast. Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Merlot.
James Suckling (99)
Blackberries, dark wet soil and blackcurrants. Graphite, too. So aromatic. Pure fruit. Full-bodied with superbly polished, fine tannins that draw you down through the center of palate. Extremely layered and the texture is so curated, giving wonderful persistence. Real plushness and fine, velvety texture. 50% cabernet sauvignon, 37% cabernet franc, 7% petit verdot and 6% merlot.
Vinous (97)
he 2019 Proprietary Red Wine Sage Mountain Vineyard is elegant, plush and sensual like few vintages I can remember tasting on release. Black cherry, mocha, gravel, dried flowers and raspberry jam infuse the 2019 with tons of nuance. Time in the glass brings out lovely energy to balance things out. What a gorgeous, classy wine this is.
