Continuum is the new winemaking project of the Mondavi family. It's a 41 - acre estate located on Pritchard Hill in Napa Valley, managed by Tim Mondavi and his sister Marcia Mondavi. Their father was the well - known Robert Mondavi, who passed away in 2008. Tim was part of the Mondavi winemaking team for four decades and contributed to crafting many luxury wines of the Mondavi family, such as Opus One. Currently, Continuum focuses on a special red wine, a Bordeaux - style blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot. Robert M. Parker Jr. gave the debut vintage a rating of 95+ points and described it as 'a brilliant start'. Matt Arnold, CS, said, 'If you know my taste, you'll understand my love for Cabernet Franc. It's the future. Continuum is a great example. The wine has more and more Franc in the blend each year, enhancing its overall complexity.' The 2017 blend consists of 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Cabernet Franc, 9% Petit Verdot, and 9% Merlot, and it has received 98 points from top critics. This wine results from low - yield growing and early ripening. On October 8th, wildfires brought smoke to the estate, but some batches had already been harvested (which will make the wine age well). They tested for smoke taint, and the results were below the acceptable levels. Still, they decided not to use any wine picked after that day. Their careful approach is worthy of respect and will likely pay off, especially for those who prefer the old - world styles in Napa Valley.
To enjoy Continuum 2017 red wine, first, let it breathe for about 30 minutes to an hour before pouring. This will help release its full aroma. Pour it into a wide - rimmed wine glass to enhance the aroma experience. When it comes to food pairing, it goes great with red meats like steak or lamb, as well as rich cheeses. Store the wine in a cool, dark place with a stable temperature, ideally between 55 - 65°F. Keep the bottle lying down to keep the cork moist. If you open the bottle and don't finish it all at once, re - cork it tightly and store it in the refrigerator. It can last for a couple of days this way, but the flavor will gradually change over time. Remember, this is a high - quality wine, so take your time to savor it.
