Tim Mondavi, son of Robert Mondavi, is an “artist” as described by his daughter, Carissa, and he was looking for another way to express that attribute and truly focus on and create an artisan-style wine.  Over lunch at Chops in Atlanta, Carissa Mondavi and Stuart Harrison explained how this was the dreamchild for Continuum Estate, which released their first vintage in 2005.  The name of the winery is not doubt defined by this statement made by Tim himself: “For four generations our family has created a continuum of wine excellence, enhancing the celebration of life.”

Continuum Estates sits on what will become around 60 acres of vineyards, 40 established and another 20 currently being developed, on Pritchard Hill.  This area of Napa, though not currently identified as its own AVA, is unique in soil, which is very rocky and steep.  In my conversation with Chris Carpenter, winemaker of Cardinale, recently, he noted the extraordinary ability of this region to produce some seriously high-quality fruit and if it ever becomes an AVA, he most certainly will be adding it to his repertoire as well.  Tim was particular in the parcels he was looking for including a westerly exposure for afternoon sunshine and has spared no expense to build his dream.  It is much more expensive to farm mountain fruit than that on the valley floor.  Just think about moving huge mountain boulders and rock when developing vineyard sites in such terrain.

The 2007 vintageis now available and still the majority of the fruit comes from Mondavi’s portion (the majority) of the To Kalon vineyard in Oakville until 2008 when the vines at Continuum Estate can contribute.  It is expected that about 70% of the 2008 vintage will come from the estate vineyards on Pritchard Hill with the goal of sourcing 100% in the near future.  The 2007 consists of

• 60% Cabernet Sauvignon
• 22% Cabernet Franc
• 18% Petit Verdot

Notice that level of Petit Verdot?  I am used to seeing blends of less than 5% PV, but Stuart tells me that this variety in Napa turns very elegant in about 10 years time and has certainly helped this wine keep its deep color as well.  The nose gave off a little heat, tremendous level of black fruits very indicative of Napa followed by a little char.  I noted the mid-palate was strong and lofty with the taste of plush black fruits and currant with spice on the end leading to a great finish.  I feel that only the best was yet to come as this had not been decanted and would have probably improved and only blossomed further over the coming hours.  Another thing I noticed was a lower-than-expected level of tannins for such a young Napa Cab.  It makes it enjoyable to drink now, but I agree with Kevin(@atlantawineguy), who also joined us, that cellaring tenure may be limited than what you might other expect for this reason.  Otherwise, acid and structure is great.

The current production level of the winery is only 1,500 cases with a planned ceiling of about 5-6,000 cases.  The wine retails for around $140 and Georgia is allocated about 75-80 6-packs and can or will eventually be found at places like Chops, Murphy’s and the Disco Kroger among others.  Continuum Estate is open to visitors by appointment only:

Address: 1677 Sage Canyon Road  ST. Helena, CA 94574    View Larger Map

Phone: 707 944 8100