Continuum Proprietary Red 2018

Composed of 54% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Cabernet Franc, 9% Petit Verdot and 6% Merlot, the deep garnet-purple 2018 Proprietary Red has a fantastically fragrant nose of candied violets, red roses, Morello cherries and blackcurrant pastilles with hints of wild blueberries, red currant jelly, iron ore and forest floor, plus a waft of cinnamon stick. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is completely packed with tightly wound black and red berry layers, framed by firm, ripe, finely grained tannins and seamless freshness, finishing with incredibly persistent and evocative floral and mineral layers. An absolute head-turner, this 2018 is all that and then some. Tim Mondavi mentioned that this is due to be bottled in just a few weeks-mid-August-meaning this barrel sample I tasted is pretty close to being a finished wine. With the estate vineyard turning 10 year's old in 2018, here's where we see how incredibly special this singular Pritchard Hill site really is.

Fresh and vibrant, with a welcoming blast of cassis, cherry puree and plum reduction flavors, laced liberally with red licorice, sassafras and floral notes and a hint of singed vanilla. The long finish is harnessed by fine-grained structure. Approachable, but no rush. Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Merlot. Drink now through 2038. 4,500 cases made.