(as of this vintage, 70% of the fruit is from Tim Mondavi's property on Pritchard Hill, up from just 20% in 2007): Medium ruby-red. Deep, brooding aromas of cassis, licorice, dark chocolate and warm spices. Sweet and round on entry, then rather powerful in the middle, showing lovely floral lift to its medicinal black fruit flavors. Plenty of mouthfilling texture here but shapely too. Finishes with substantial ripe tannins. Comes across as a bit less sweet and pliant now than the 2008, but this is in a rather brooding phase today and needs time.

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The 2009 Continuum impresses for its layered, textured personality and impeccable grace. Stylistically, the 2009 isn't quite as rich as the 2008 but is instead more polished and refined. Sweet floral notes add an attractive upper register to the dark fruit, mocha and sweet spice aromas and flavors. The 2009 Continuum is 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Cabernet Franc, 7% Petit Verdot and 4% Merlot, 82% of which came from estate-grown fruit. Anticipated maturity: 2017-2029.

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Sleek and understated, making its mark with firm, dense, tightly wound espresso, dried berry, crushed rock and black licorice flavors, with a finish that emphasizes the loamy earthiness. The tannins are firm and well-integrated. Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Merlot.

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