Continuum Proprietary Red 2019 1.5L Magnum

Blackberries, dark wet soil and blackcurrants. Graphite, too. So aromatic. Pure fruit. Full-bodied with superbly polished, fine tannins that draw you down through the center of palate. Extremely layered and the texture is so curated, giving wonderful persistence. Real plushness and fine, velvety texture. 50% cabernet sauvignon, 37% cabernet franc, 7% petit verdot and 6% merlot. Better after 2026.

Continuum's 2019 Proprietary Red is 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 37% Cabernet Franc, 7% Petit Verdot and 6% Merlot, all from the estate vineyard on Pritchard Hill. Aged in two-thirds new French oak, with the balance in second or third-use barrels and a single concrete amphora, it's remarkably dark in hue, a deep, saturated purple in the glass. On the nose, it's floral and herbal yet fruit-driven, with violets, sage and bay leaf adding nuance to black cherries, while the palate is full-bodied, plush and silky. There's an enticing yin-yang to the interplay between high-toned herbals and bass notes of dark chocolate in this dense, concentrated effort that finishes lush and long. It's a magnificent wine that should drink well for at least two decades.

From the mighty estate site on Pritchard Hill, this robustly muscular wine consists of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 37% Cabernet Franc (the highest amount ever), 7% Petit Verdot and 6% Merlot. Herbal, it shows notes of violet, graphite and tobacco alongside layers of rich red and black currant. The tannins are substantial and grippy, not quite ready to play nice on the palate. Lay this one down and enjoy it best 2029.

Expressive and vivid, with cassis, blueberry reduction and plum preserves mixed amicably together, while licorice, warm fruitcake, sassafras and baker's chocolate line the finish. A long, subtle cast iron note echoes as the fruit lingers, making for an alluring contrast. Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Merlot. Best from 2023 through 2038.