Proprietary Red 2023 Continuum Estate

Tasting Note Proprietary Red 2023

Initially, aromas of cassis and graphite emerge, followed by notes of freshly sharpened pencil and a savory tobacco aroma that keeps the fruit in check. Cabernet Franc brings a lively floral freshness, while Cabernet Sauvignon forms the wine's backbone. On the palate, Continuum Estate Proprietary Red 2023 is dense yet tightly structured, with delicate tannins that have not yet fully integrated. After a few years of aging in the bottle, it will reveal even richer charm.

Grape Varieties

Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc are blended in nearly equal proportions, an unusual combination for a Napa Valley red wine. The 2023 vintage blend consists of:

• 46% Cabernet Sauvignon: Structure and cassis aromas
• 41% Cabernet Franc: Vibrant floral aromas with herbal and peppery notes
• 7% Merlot: Richness in the mid-palate
• 6% Petit Verdot: Color and spice

The proportion of Cabernet Franc accounts for this wine's aromatic character.

Cellaring Potential

Best enjoyed between 2027 and 2044. Both tannins and acidity are robust, well-supported by the concentration of fruit flavors. Store in a cool, dark place. For young wines, decant for 1-2 hours after opening; for aged wines, decant for a shorter period. Serve at 16-18°C.

About Continuum Estate

Most of the Napa wineries made a name for itself in the valley. Meanwhile, Continuum Estate ascended to Pritchard Hill, located in the Vaca mountain range east of Napa Valley, where Tim Mondavi, his sister Marcia Mondavi Borger and their adult children manage the estate, a place where the third and fourth generations of a family that has been producing California wine for over a century continue the tradition. T

he vines grow in Sage Mountain Vineyard, on volcanic soils at an elevation of approximately 400-490 meters above sea level. Of the approximately 70 hectares, only about 15 hectares are planted with vines. The remainder consists of slopes, forests, and rocky terrain.

This wine is made primarily from Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, along with two other Bordeaux varieties, though the exact blend varies from year to year. Continuum began in 2005 with grapes from To Kalon, purchased Pritchard Hill land in 2008, and completed construction of the winery ahead of the 2013 harvest.

Terroir & Climate

Sage Mountain Vineyard is situated on thin, rocky volcanic soil, which is entirely different from the deep alluvial soil at the bottom of the Napa Valley. Vine growth is restricted, resulting in smaller berries and a higher skin-to-juice ratio, which is precisely where the concentrated flavors originate. High in the Vaca range, temperature fluctuations and sunlight exposure there differ from those on the valley floor. Since Pritchard Hill is not an officially recognized sub-appellation (the name is registered as a trademark), the label reads Napa Valley.

Winemaking

Continuum Estate produces single-estate red wine, which means that all decisions are made with a single blend in mind, rather than a diverse portfolio. The oak barrels are stored in a cave carved into the hillside next to the tank room, where two vintages are aged at a time in separate rooms. The wine is never released early. The blending ratios vary from year to year depending on the quality of the Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Petit Verdot.

Food Pairing

Firm tannins require fat and protein. A grilled ribeye steak, seared to a crisp on the outside and cooked rare on the inside, pairs best.  A few examples of dishes: 

• Rack of lamb with rosemary: The herbal aroma harmonizes with Cabernet Franc
• Grilled portobello mushrooms and roasted root vegetables: for the savory side
• Aged Parmesan or sharp Cheddar cheese: The saltiness softens the astringency of the tannins

Rich, smoky dishes pair better with this wine than delicate sauces.