1990 vintage. Last tasted 12.11.22 (9.6) and 8.20.16 (9.2-slightly off bottle). Tasted side by side with the 1989 (9.4) version of this wine. Ridiculous 1-2 heavyweight punch. Opened but not decanted. Tasted at the conclusion of lunch after an hour open. Not much in the nose but bringing it in the flavors. Still heavy bits of ripe plum and cherry with a substantial mid-palate. Larger format of this wine likely clocks in as a 9.6/9.7 but this was a 750ml. In the 750ml format, not improving and it's drink now and until 2028. Still, most likely, the best wine this producer has ever made. The 1989 has a case as well. Like the Lebowski rug, this one just tied the late-80's/early-90's BDX room together. 10.10.25. — 19 days ago
Deep, deep ruby and not a hint of browning on the rim even though it’s 12 years old. Oaky vanilla with blueberry pie and some spicy notes. Lots more blue/black fruit on the palate. Super well balanced and enjoyed chewing on some med/fine tannins. Got two more of these and think I’ll wait a while. Not even close to showing its age. I think the scores will continue to climb on this one. — 4 days ago
Continuum Estate – 46% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Cabernet Franc, 17% Petit Verdot, 6% Merlot / Vintage 2015
Sage Mountain Vineyard, Napa Valley, California, USA 🇺🇸
Overview
A Bordeaux-inspired red blend from Continuum Estate, perched on Sage Mountain high above Napa Valley. The 2015 vintage, though small in production due to drought and cool flowering conditions, yielded fruit of remarkable intensity and character. Limited quantities make this a collector’s treasure.
Aromas & Flavors
Opens with aromas of cacao, black currant, cardamom, and savory wild herbs. On the palate: lush layers of black cherry, roasted espresso, mountain minerals, and a touch of tangy orange spice. Velvety tannins wrap around ripe black fruit and chocolate notes, finishing long and expressive.
Mouthfeel
Dense, structured, and deeply vinous with remarkable balance between power and finesse. Rich and tactile, yet elegantly polished. Built for both immediate pleasure and decades of graceful aging.
Food Pairings
Best enjoyed with rosemary lamb chops, prime rib, aged gouda, or wild mushroom ragù. But honestly? This wine is an experience in itself, no food required.
Verdict
An elevated expression of Napa Valley mountain fruit, complex, soulful, and deeply memorable. One of those rare wines that leaves you saying, “whoa.”
Did You Know?
Continuum was founded in 2005 by Robert, Marcia, and Tim Mondavi, continuing the Mondavi family’s legacy in Napa with an estate entirely dedicated to Cabernet-family blends from Sage Mountain.
🍷 Personal Pick Highlight
This was a showstopper for me. The 2015 Continuum delivered an elevated experience, the kind of wine that redefines how you think about Napa blends. Truly unforgettable. — 15 hours ago
The 2022 release is a hit!
Deep purple color. Aromas of black cherry, cola, dried herbs and cedar. Black and blue fruit on the palate, herbs and oak on the finish.
🏅97 Points - Jeb Dunnuck
🏅94 Points - @Dr. Owen Bargreen — 15 days ago
With a short decant , drinking with long finish after a fragrant nose. — 10 days ago
2016 vintage. Decanted (with little sed) and tasted after 1.5 hours and 3 hours. Medium body. In a state of transition currently. Holding back a bit and has lost that tail-wagging exuberance along with some of the supple qualities of youth. Feel like this wine is on a side quest and will return to the fold in the next 3-5 years. 10.11.25. — 17 days ago
Blend of 44% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 14% Malbec, 12% Petit Verdot, 8% Syrah and 2% Cabernet Franc, deep Ruby color with aromas of red and black fruits with tobacco and herb spice, aged 12 months on French and American oak, 24% new. On the palate flavors of black cherry and blackberry with cedar and tobacco, black pepper and herb notes. Medium+ finish, fine tannins, ending with fruit and spice. — 10 days ago
Sipping Fine Wine
Blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot. This estate owes its name to Connetable Talbot, the English general & governor of the province of Guyenne who was defeated at the famous Battle of Castillon in 1453. Deep Ruby color, with aromas of black fruits, herb, tobacco and earthy notes. On the palate flavors of plums and black currants with cacao and tobacco spice, on a well balanced frame. Fine tight tannins, long finish ending with fruit, earthy spice and cedar character. Nice! — 3 days ago