(97-100 points) A look at the base blend of Continuum's 2023 Proprietary Red suggests that great things are to come. Right now, the proportions are 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Cabernet Franc, 6% Merlot and 4% Petit Verdot, but that could still change a bit prior to bottling next year. Cherries and berries swirl together easily on the nose, joined by hints of violets and sage, while the medium to full-bodied palate is intensely concentrated yet not heavy, exhibiting fantastic length and richness on the finish.- Joe Czerwinski

(98-100 points) The 2023 Continuum was tasted as a finished barrel sample. The blend is 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 42% Cabernet Franc, 7% Petit Verdot, and 6% Merlot. Deep garnet-purple colored, it needs a lot of coaxing and swirling to bring out notes of crushed black and red currants, fresh raspberries, and Bing cherries, plus nuances of licorice, fragrant lavender, and fertile loam. The full-bodied palate delivers wonderful tension and bright, intense red and black berry layers, supported by a high level of silt-like tannins, finishing long and fragrant.

The 2023 Continuum Proprietary Red truly shines in this vintage. It opens with expressive aromas of ripe blackberries, black raspberries, and dark plum, layered with hints of graphite, cocoa nib, floral and dried sage that bring added nuance. On the palate, it is full-bodied yet refined, offering a silky texture supported by polished, velvety tannins. The wine shows impressive depth and intensity, carrying through to a long, mineral-driven finish. While the wine is already incredibly compelling in its youth, showcasing both power and refinement, it clearly possesses the balance and structure needed for long-term aging. Over time, it is expected to develop even greater nuance, complexity, and integration, rewarding patience with an even more profound expression.

Very aromatic, showing red currants, terra-cotta, rose petals and hints of violets. Medium-bodied, offering strawberries, cherries and orange peel alongside medium velvety tannins. Savory and fruity with a pure, primary aftertaste. Like beautifully picked cabernet at just the right time. Near-perfect. This marks owner Tim Mondavi’s 50th vintage. A blend of 46% cabernet sauvignon, 41% cabernet franc, 7% merlot and 6% petit verdot. Drink or hold.

Looking at the 2023 Proprietary Red Wine, it shows the purity and finesse of the vintage with an almost Lafite-like sense of finesse and elegance. Based on 46% Cabernet Sauvignon, 41% Cabernet Franc, 7% Merlot, and 6% Petit Verdot and aged 22 months in 56% new French oak with 43% neutral French oak and 1% concrete amphora, it offers cassis, freshly sharpened pencils, graphite, and savory tobacco and floral nuances. It's medium to full-bodied on the palate, has a flawlessly balanced mouthfeel, ultra-fine tannins, and a great finish. It brings just a hint of that classic mountain-like terroir in its concentration, yet the purity, finesse, and sheer class are truly exceptional. Give it 4-6 years, and this will keep for 30 years or more. Drink 2029-2054.

A very beautiful wine with excellent cellaring potential. Aromatically, it shows bright fruit, fresh wild herb character, and vivid slate-like minerality with earthy undertones. The palate carries real levity, supported by a crisp tannic backbone and a firm spine of acidity. Rose and cedar accents linger gracefully in the glass.

The 2023 Continuum Sage Mountain Vineyard is one of the most polished, sophisticated wines I have tasted here. Floral overtones meld into a core of red/purplish fruit, blood orange, cinnamon and rose petal. Fine, silky tannins further reinforce an impression of total finesse. This is really such a different style for Continuum. It will be interesting to see if that is the vintage or the overall direction.- By Antonio Galloni

This is gorgeous, with a vivid beam of red currant, boysenberry and morello cherry paste that shows tension and energy. Everything is braced by a rusted iron spine and flecked throughout with chaparral and pennyroyal. The nearly rigid structure is well-encased in ample fruit, giving this excellent precision. Echoes of mulberry and sagebrush linger. Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot. Best from 2028 through 2043. 4,500 cases made.