2007 Continuum Napa Valley Bordeaux Blend

“A glorious blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Cabernet Franc and 18% Petit Verdot, it boasts an inky/purple color as well as an extraordinary perfume of blueberries, blackberries, spring flowers and subtle hints of burning embers and earth. Akin to the seamlessness of haute couture from the likes of Chanel, the integration of acidity, tannin, alcohol and wood has been brilliantly accomplished by Mondavi. This textured, opulent, full-bodied wine cuts a lacy, graceful texture across the palate. A tour de force in winemaking, it is a profound wine from someone who has been front and center during the golden age of California Cabernet Sauvignon as well as the revolution in quality begun by his father. Drinkable now, drinkable in ten years and exquisite in two decades, it is not to be missed. (RP)” (12/2010)

“Feels fancy and important in the mouth, with pure, refined tannins housing ripe, complex flavors of blackberries, black currants, cherries, chocolate, exotic spices and sweet, smoky oak. The finish is dry but with a tinge of sweetness, like an infused blackberry liqueur, which probably is the result of high (15.3%) alcohol. Very rich and layered, and a great addition to the Napa cult pantheon.” (07/2010)

“A blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Cabernet Franc, and 18% Petit Verdot, the 2007 Continuum was mainly sourced from To Kalon Vineyard, with 13% coming from Pritchard Hill. It is medium to deep garnet in color and leaps with lifted notes of Morello cherries, blueberry preserves, and dried mulberries, plus suggestions of sandalwood, Indian spices, and dusty soil. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is completely coated with spicy black fruit preserves, supported by velvety tannins and soft acidity, finishing on a lively red berry note. (LPB)” (06/2023)

“Full, bright ruby. Blackberry, blueberry, violet, licorice and wild herbs on the dark, high-pitched nose; the wine's Cabernet Franc component contributes perfume and lift. Pure silk on entry, then tight and youthful in the middle palate, with strong, nicely integrated acidity shaping and intensifying the flavors of blackberry, blueberry, crushed rock, violet and bitter chocolate. Delivers an uncanny balance of sweetness, acidity, minerality and floral lift and finishes with compelling perfume and resounding length. With 24 hours in the recorked bottle, it became a bit more liqueur-like but its thickness was perfectly framed and supported by firm acidity. (ST) 95+” (05/2017)

“Rich and powerful, with raw, edgy tannins that impart a gravelly profile at the expense of a more harmonious texture. The heat pushes forth on the finish, drawing out and magnifying the tannins. Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. (JL)” (09/2017)

“Not technically a 'Cabernet Sauvignon' in the US, Tim Mondavi's fledgling wine is a mix of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Cabernet Franc and 18% Petit Verdot. A step up in character from the 2006, it's rich and powerful (15.3% alcohol), with lavish oak and chewy tannins. Yet it remains keenly balanced and rewarding, with cassis, earth, graphite and bittersweet chocolate notes framed by bracing acidity. 18/20 points (LM)” (12/2010)