{"product_id":"2019-tim-mondavi-continuum-novicium","title":"2019 Tim Mondavi Continuum Novicium","description":"\u003cp\u003e2019 Tim Mondavi Continuum Novicium is the exploratory, more approachable sibling to the flagship Continuum, crafted from the dramatic slopes of Sage Mountain Vineyard on Napa’s famed Pritchard Hill. Conceived as an ongoing study of this exceptional site, Novicium showcases a fresher, more playful expression of the estate’s mountain fruit without sacrificing depth or pedigree. Born from the Mondavi family’s multi‑generation legacy and vision, it brings together classic Bordeaux varieties in a polished, contemporary Napa red.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn the glass, the 2019 Novicium shows a deep ruby core with youthful purple highlights at the rim, signaling both concentration and vibrancy. The nose is lifted and aromatic, with bright red fruits—think redcurrant, wild strawberry and candied apple—layered over notes of autumn leaves, bay laurel, cedar shavings and a subtle hint of graphite and dried flowers.\n\nOn the palate, Novicium is at once lively and serious: a sleek, medium‑to‑full‑bodied wine with a core of black cherry, blackberry and blackcurrant framed by dark chocolate, olive tapenade and warm baking spices. Fine, powdery mountain tannins provide structure without harshness, while a mineral backbone from Sage Mountain Vineyard keeps the wine focused and precise. The finish is long and pure, echoing cedar, spice and savory notes. Already accessible in its youth, this 2019 has the balance and structure to age gracefully for 10–15 years, gaining further complexity and polish with time in bottle.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduction\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSourced entirely from Continuum’s Sage Mountain Vineyard on Pritchard Hill in the Vaca Range, Novicium reflects a high‑elevation terroir of rocky, volcanic soils, strong diurnal temperature swings and abundant sunlight—conditions that naturally produce small, intensely flavored berries. The 2019 blend is composed of 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc, 12% Petit Verdot and 2% Merlot, all hand‑harvested at optimal ripeness in small lots to preserve fruit integrity. In the cellar, each parcel is vinified separately with gentle extraction to respect the innate character of the grapes and site, followed by élevage in carefully selected French oak barrels. The aim is not power for its own sake, but a precise, energetic expression of Sage Mountain’s identity in a more immediately approachable style than the grand vin.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFood \u0026amp; Serving\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe 2019 Novicium is a versatile partner at the table, pairing beautifully with grilled or roasted lamb, dry‑rubbed ribeye, braised short ribs, and duck with cherries or figs. It also shines alongside richer vegetarian dishes such as mushroom risotto, lentil and root‑vegetable stews, or roasted eggplant with herbs and olives, which complement its dark fruit and savory tapenade notes. Serve at 16–18°C (60–64°F); if opened young, decant for 45–60 minutes to allow the aromatics to fully unfurl and the mountain tannins to soften, revealing the wine’s elegance and layered complexity.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProducer\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eContinuum was founded in 2005 by Tim (Timothy) Mondavi together with his father, the legendary Robert Mondavi, his sister Marcia and their families, as a return to their roots in fine, site‑driven Napa Valley wine. After decades shaping the region’s global reputation, the family focused their energy on a single, extraordinary place: Sage Mountain Vineyard on Pritchard Hill. From this elevated, volcanic terroir, Continuum produces a small range of estate wines, with Novicium serving as the estate’s second wine and ongoing exploration of the vineyard. Today, Continuum is recognized as one of Napa’s benchmark mountain estates, consistently earning critical acclaim for its refined, ageworthy reds that marry Old World restraint with New World clarity and purity of fruit.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Continuum","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54251807408465,"sku":"GCW-CONT-19005","price":215.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0874\/0614\/9969\/files\/2019_Tim_Mondavi_Continuum_Novicium.png?v=1783441547","url":"https:\/\/bottlehero.com\/products\/2019-tim-mondavi-continuum-novicium","provider":"Bottle Hero","version":"1.0","type":"link"}