The 2008 Continuum is a striking wine endowed with gorgeous aromatics, expressive fruit and flat-out great balance. Espresso, grilled herbs, licorice and violets add complexity to the super-ripe black fruit. Despite the wine’s textural richness and opulence, there is plenty of underlying structure. This is a totally captivating wine. I can’t wait to taste it in another 5 years. In 2008 Continuum is 71% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Cabernet Franc, 7% Petit Verdot and 5% Merlot, most of which is estate grown fruit from the winery’s vineyards on Pritchard Hill. Fermentation and maceration was quite long, and averaged 35 days. The wine was aged in 100% new oak barrels. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2028. I was super-impressed with the two wines I tasted from Continuum Estate, Tim Mondavi’s new venture on Pritchard Hill, not far from Chappellet and Bryant. Mondavi is gradually moving towards 100% estate fruit, but these early vintages include some fruit from vineyards in Oakville and Stags Leap. Continuum is distinguished by a fairly large presence of Cabernet Franc. This is one of the most exciting new properties in Napa Valley.www.continuumestate.com

A remarkable effort, offering riveting, expressive aromas of mocha, currant, mineral, herb, black licorice, tar and pebble, this is intense, structured, balanced, nuanced and firm, finishing with a gutsy richness and sophistication. Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Merlot. Best from 2013 through 2023. 2,200 cases made. -JL