Continuum by Mondavi Sage Mountain Vineyard Napa Valley Red 2023 (750ML)

99 Points, James Suckling, JAmesSuckling.com: “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.” 06/26

99 Points, Jeb Dunnuck, JebDunnuck.com: "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." 12/25

97-100 Points, Joe Czerwinski, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "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." 10/24