The 2011 Continuum is still youthful, with a lively ruby hue and no signs of bricking at the edges. Classic notes of darker currants, cedarwood, dried herbs, and leather are just some of the nuances here, and it's medium-bodied on the palate, with a silky, elegant, nicely balanced style. I love its overall complexity and while it's drinking at point today, it has another decade of longevity.

From a cooler vintage, Continuum's 2011 Proprietary Red has evolved nicely, delivering classic mountain-fruit lifted by notes of sage and bay leaf. Sourced primarily from the estate's Sage Mountain Vineyard (supplemented by tiny amounts from Mount Veeder and Diamond Mountain), it's medium to full-bodied, silky, fine and elegant, with an ample finish. This appears mature now, but it should easily hold for several more years.

98% from the estate. 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Petit Verdot, 11% Cabernet Franc, 2% Merlot. The 2011 offers more savoury, slightly earthier aromas and flavours with hints of red fruit. Notes of forest floor and a backdrop of bay leaf with a bit of mushroom and a light graphite accent emerge with air, as does a refreshing grapefruit-pith accent. The tannin is incredibly fine-grained and persistent with plenty of mouth-watering acidity and a lengthy finish. Delicious. This vintage is in a very good spot to drink now but will also continue to evolve in bottle. It offers an impressive balance of concentration and finesse, though it definitely has more intensity and a touch more spice compared with the 2010. (ECB)