Carte Blanche 2015 Proprietary Red Napa Valley

The 2015 Carte Blanche Proprietary Red Wine is a Right-Bank inspired blend of 59.5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Merlot, 18% Cabernet Franc, 4% Petite Verdot and .5% Malbec. Select vineyards and blocks were chosen and farmed specifically to attain a dense, rich wine framed by delicate fine-grained tannins. Beckstoffer’s Orchard Vineyard Merlot offers a plump & full mid-palate while providing ample nuance. Beckstoffer’s Missouri Hopper Cabernet Sauvignon in Oakville provides a full spectrum of rich and dark fruit, while the Sage Ridge Vineyard Cabernet Franc from Sage Ridge Canyon offers nuances of tobacco, plum, and roasted poblano. The 2015 Proprietary Red shows blackberry, black cherry and espresso on the nose. The palate entry is silky and focused, showcasing currant, crushed blackberries, graphite, and roasted poblano pepper through an enduring finish. 150 cases produced.

The 2015 Proprietary Red shows blackberry, black cherry and espresso on the nose. The palate entry is silky and focused, showcasing currant, crushed blackberries, graphite, and roasted poblano pepper through an enduring finish.

Jeb Dunnuck - 98 Points: "Leading off the 2015s from this estate, the 2015 Proprietary Red is a much more Cabernet-dominated blend than the 2014 and is 59% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Merlot, 4% Petit Verdot and the rest Malbec. Brought up all in new French oak, this monster effort boasts a deep purple color as well as sensational notes of currants, blackberry liqueur, graphite, espresso roast and leafy herbs. Full-bodied, ripe, opulent and incredibly concentrated, this killer effort needs 2-3 years to shed some baby fat, but it’s going to keep for 2-3 decades."

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate - 94 Points: "Blended of 59% Cabernet Sauvignon from Beckstoffer Missouri Hopper vineyard with 18% Merlot, 18.5% Cabernet Franc, 4% Petit Verdot and 0.5% Malbec, the 2015 Proprietary Red gives a very deep inky purple color and very pretty nose of baking spices, potpourri, underbrush and rose hip tea over a core of crushed black plums and black currants, with hints of dried mint and chocolate box. Rich, full-bodied and impactful with its layers of perfumed fruit in the mouth, it has lovely plush tannins and just enough acid lift, finishing with great length. 200 cases were made."

Type	Red
Varietal	59.5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Merlot, 18% Cabernet Franc, 4% Petit Verdot, 0.5% Malbec
Vintage	2015
Bottle size	750mL
Alcohol content	14.9%
Appellation	California – Napa Valley
Wine Advocate	94
Wine Enthusiast	--
Wine Spectator	--
Other	n/a

The Philosophy

Continuum is a single red wine produced with clarity of focus at the highest quality level; it is also an opportunity for us to do what we do best. Continuum expresses my family’s unique understanding of and expertise with Cabernet family varieties grown in the Napa Valley. For 4 generations, the Mondavi family has grown and produced wines to stand in the company of the worlds’ finest. My grandfather Cesare first brought wine to the table but it was my father Robert’s pursuit of excellence that inspired my family’s vision. Today my sister Marcia and I, with our children and team, are committed to this continuum of excellence, innovation and tradition.’
Tim Mondavi