Mondavi: Continuum 2013 one of the best yet

Tim Mondavi, head of Napa estate Continuum has said that he is “most proud” of the 2013 vintage which is the first release from his newly built winery in Pritchard Hill.

Tim Mondavi in Continuum’s vineyard in Pritchard Hill

At a tasting which compared the 2009, 2011 and 2013 Continuum vintages, Mondavi explained that 2013 is particularly meaningful to him because it marks his 40th year of being a winemaker and also commemorates his late father Robert’s year of birth in 1913. His daughter, Chiara designed the new label which is exclusive to the vintage.

“2013 was also just one of the best in Napa,” he said. “We had a very dry winter, an early budbreak with no heat spikes or exceedingly cold weather. Harvest began on 9 September and finished on 3 October. It was a dream year.”

The 2013 label also features a dove in commemoration of Robert Mondavi

Continuum is a Bordeaux-blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot but the 2013 has a higher percentage of Cabernet Franc (25%) than any other of Continuum’s previous vintages, which Mondavi believes better reflects the potential of the estate’s distinctive red volcanic soil.

“I love wines high in Cabernet Franc; Cabernet Franc brings a silkiness and a subtlety and doesn’t make such overtly powerful wine.”

The Continuum estate was founded in 2005 by Tim, his sister Marcia and Robert who passed away in 2008 shortly before his 95^th birthday. Mondavi who also involves his five children in the running of the estate, views the aptly named property as a ‘continuation’ of his family’s winemaking legacy.

“Here is where the present and future of the Mondavi legacy lies and Continuum represents the best my father stood for.

“2013 is the first from our beautiful new winery and I am most proud of this vintage, it’s one of the best we’ve had in Continuum’s history and I’m confident that our upward trajectory will continue.”