Continuum Continuum 2022 750ml

Wonderful blackberry and blackcurrant aromas here with hints of mint and fresh sage. Some cassis. Wrought iron, too. Full-bodied, tight and elegant with lovely tension. Beautiful. Ends fine and focused. Drinkable now, but better after 2022.

Perfumed aromas of subtle currants, roses, lavender and sage, following through to a medium body with super-fine tannins that caress the palate and leave it fresh and inspired. A gorgeous and graceful 2022. Drinkable now, but better in 2028.

Continuum's 2022 Proprietary Red is a blend of 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 43% Cabernet Franc, 8% Petit Verdot and 4% Merlot, aged 21 months in 58% new French oak. Attention-grabbing cherries lead the way, although there are darker undertones of plum and black olive, plus hints of dried sage, menthol and tobacco. It's medium- to full-bodied and silky in feel, and the tannins are smooth and harmonious but present, lingering easily on the lengthy finish.

The 2017 Proprietary Red Wine Sage Mountain Vineyard comes across as remarkably primary. Bright red-toned fruit and floral notes give the 2017 striking freshness as well as nuance. Deep and layered on the palate, with superb depth, the 2017 Continuum is easily one of the wines of the year. Even in the early going, it is truly magnificent.

Based on 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 43% Cabernet Franc, 8% Petit Verdot, and 4% Merlot and aged 22 months in 58% new French oak (there's a small amount in concrete amphora), the 2022 Proprietary Red Wine is the flagship release from this mountain site and comes from a mix of different parcels on the estate. It has a deep ruby/purple hue as well as brilliantly perfumed and expressive aromatics of red, blue, and black fruits intermixed with flowery incense, violets, orange blossoms, and hints of iron. Medium to full-bodied on the palate, it has a pure, layered mouthfeel, ample mid-palate depth, and outstanding length. It's a huge success in this challenging vintage that will evolve nicely for a solid two decades. Drink 2025-2045.

Lovely, offering a pure, polished set of acai berry, cassis and blueberry flavors that move in lockstep, backed by subtle tobacco, licorice snap and alder notes. Shows latent length, with the fruit persisting without bombast. Features a long, buried iron edge. Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Merlot. Best from 2022 through 2036. 3,000 cases made. (James Molesworth)

The 2021 Proprietary Red Wine Sage Mountain Vineyard is a heady, bombastic wine with a huge fruit profile and equally imposing tannins. In so many vintages, Continuum can be quite racy and seductive, but 2021 is not one of those years. Readers will have to be especially patient here. Lavender, mocha, crème de cassis and cloves build into the substantial, resonant finish. The blend is 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Cabernet Franc, 11% Merlot and 9% Petit Verdot. It will be interesting to see if the tannins soften. Today, the 2021 is a brute. Let’s see what time brings.

A generous burst of blackberry and mulberry fruit leads the way but is quickly caught from behind by cast iron, dried sage and singed mesquite notes. The fruit keeps pace with the grippy back end, and there’s solid energy. Well-done. Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Merlot. Best from 2025 through 2035. 4,500 cases made.