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We were visited in October 2009 by Carissa Mondavi, daughter of Tim Mondavi and granddaughter of the late Robert Mondavi. She was very enthusiastic and proud of her dad's new project: Continuum. Made from a 35 acre plot in the 500+ acre To Kalon vineyard, Continuum 2006 is a blend of 59% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Cabernet Franc and 16% Petit Verdot. The Mondavi family has long believed that To Kalon is a supreme place for growing Bordeaux varietals. Originally planted in the late 1800s, To Kalon is in the Napa Valley on the Oakville bench, and has soils of gravel, loam and clay. Tim Mondavi plans to only make one wine under the Continuum label, as he is not a fan of '2nd Wines.' This one wine will exemplify the best of expression of Napa Valley grapes and soils, the most gentle handling of fruit, the pursuit of balance, and the ability to age 20-30 years depending upon the vintage. Aged in 100% new French oak, Continuum is bottled unfined and unfiltered. The beautiful picture on the label is a Petit Verdot vine.
Wine Advocate
The 2006 Continuum is composed of 59% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Cabernet Franc, and 16% Petit Verdot. Its opaque purple color is followed by a rich, sumptuous bouquet of blackberries, creme de cassis, incense, graphite, and a hint of burning embers. This powerful, full-bodied, rich wine possesses considerable precision as well as purity. Drink 2011-2041.
Score: 96.
—Robert Parker,
December
2009.
Wine Spectator
Rich dark chocolate, mocha and espresso here, along with a wealth of ripe, currant-laced Cabernet fruit. Focused, tight, elegant and stylish, with a persistent finish that keeps unfolding to reveal hidden nuances. Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Best from 2010 through 2017.
Score: 95.
—James Laube,
2009.
Bottle Shop
Mint, rose petals, red fruits, blackberries and mocha prevail on the nose of this rich, concentrated Bordeaux-inspired blend. The tannins are present and full, yet crisp and clean, indicating a long life ahead for this serious wine. The pedigree is obvious, brother and sister team Tim and Marcia Mondavi have created a stellar example of California wine in their second vintage of this new project.
Score: 94.
Wine Enthusiast
Tim Mondavi and family strive to join the pantheon of cult wine with this, his second vintage of a Cab-based Bordeaux blend. It’s quite good, a soft, complex wine of luxurious texture and deep, impressive flavors of splendidly ripe blackberries and cherries, anise, chocolate and smoky cedar.
Score: 93.
—Steve Heimoff,
September
01,
2009.
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