2021 Continuum Proprietary Red
Buying options
Tasting Notes
The 2021 is in Tim Mondavi’s view “our finest effort yet”, something he attributes to their increased understanding of their site – and there is clear justification for this claim. The nose is creamy and laden with polished fruit. Crunchy blackcurrant and vibrant blueberry dominates at first, but gradually it reveals intense floral lift – an iris perfume that is intoxicating. The wine is intense, long and vibrant, with a sheer cliff of fruit – but a saline, minerality drives the palate, working with juicy acidity to bring tension. Blend: 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Cabernet Franc, 11% Merlot and 9% Petit Verdot
Critic Scores
Average Score
James Suckling
Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW, The Wine Independent
More reviews and scores
The 2021 Continuum is flat-out gorgeous, but it's not for the instant gratification crowd either. Darker currants, graphite, crushed stone, and truffly goodness all define the aromatics and it's full-bodied, concentrated, and structured, with the tannic, age-worthy style of the vintage. Count yourself lucky if you have bottles in the cellar. It will benefit from 5-7 years of bottle age and should see its 30th birthday in fine form.
A blend of 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Cabernet Franc, 11% Merlot, and 9% Petit Verdot, Continuum's 2021 Proprietary Red offers up slightly floral aromas, plus ample cherries and raspberries on the nose. It's medium to full-bodied, concentrated and structured, framed by fine-grained tannins that lend a silky texture to the long, elegant finish. It saw about 60% new French oak (the balance was second-use barrels), but the oak is barely noticeable.
This is so aromatic with blackcurrant, blackberry, graphite, iron, pine bark and orange peel. Hints of wild sage and peppermint. Seductive perfumes. Full-bodied with extremely well-integrated tannins that have great length. Elegant firmness at the finish. The quality of the tannins is some of the best I have had in a young Continuum. Seamless silk. Great finish. 45% cabernet sauvignon, 35% cabernet franc, 11% merlot and 9% petit verdot. Best after 2027.
About the producer
Created by Tim and Marcia Mondavi, Continuum is a Napa project that continues the Mondavi family legacy. Based in Pritchard Hill, this estate winery produces elegant, mineral Cabernet blends from hillside fruit.