2012 Continuum Proprietary Red Napa

(96 Points) With 62 acres now under vine here, at an altitude ranging from 1,300 to 1,600 feet, above the fog line, Tim Mondavi describes his estate atop Pritchard Hill as “a grand cru on top of the world.” And it was showing at its best on a pellucid, breezy March morning, when I was able to clearly see individual buildings in San Francisco 60 miles to the south. His new winery was ready in time for the 2013 harvest, which Mondavi told me was the 40th harvest of his winemaking career. It’s clear that he has been re-energized by his new project. Mondavi is now making 25% of his wine in cement fermenters, which he says enhance minerality and vibrancy. He’s also following a racking regime that owes more to Burgundy than to Bordeaux--just three or four rackings in total, or less, before bottling without fining or filtration. The exciting 2012 was the highlight of my visit. ($200) (78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Cabernet Franc, 6% Merlot, & 5% Petit Verdot) Bright, dark ruby-red. Urgent crushed blueberry and cassis aromas are complemented by licorice and wild herbs on the brooding nose and palate (“a noble baby,” says Mondavi). Extremely young but already utterly seamless, delivering an uncanny combination of density and finesse. Compellingly lush and pure, with serious underlying power currently masked by sweet fruit. Really wonderfully managed tannins here. Promises to be the best vintage yet from this superb estate.-- Stephen Tanzer