Continuum 2021

Continuum is the estate red of Continuum Estate, a Bordeaux blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Merlot from the Sage Mountain vineyard at the top of Pritchard Hill, overlooking Napa Valley and San Francisco Bay. The hillside site grows in soils of volcanic origin, which are poor and free-draining and force the vines to work, giving small berries with thick skins and the complexity the estate is known for. The elevation above the valley floor lifts the fruit above the fog line into more sunlight while keeping the nights cool, ripening the Cabernet fully while holding acidity and freshness. Grapes are hand-harvested and sorted, then the wine ages 18 months in 225-litre French oak barrels, the classic barrique whose tight grain and slow oxygen exchange build fine tannin and add cedar, cocoa and spice. It pours a deep, dark red. The nose is cassis, plum and cherry with black pepper, cocoa and oak spice. The palate is full and structured, with firm, fine-grained tannin and a long, mineral finish that reflects the volcanic site. Serve at 16 to 18 degrees and decant well ahead. Good with prime cuts of beef and lamb.