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We had a private dining room all to ourselves, overlooking a lovely patio bejeweled in green and white chairs, umbrellas and lush foliage. As we enjoyed appetizers and the ambiance, we disussed Continuum wines with Tim Mondavi, Saronn and I glanced at each other in silent acknowledgement…we knew were in the presence of wine-making-royalty. Lyn Farmer, one of South Florida’s most famous food and wine writers, also joined us to chat with the celebrated wine-making trio.

The service, salads and appetizers were fresh and crisp, but the Continuum wines quickly took center stage. Tim thoroughly explained how this is a family effort from growing to creating each vintage, and this is presently the only wine they are making. Of course we questioned that, knowing the wealth of knowledge Tim Mondavi must have. Born into the most famous wine family on earth, wine must surely run through Tim’s veins, even when he is not drinking it! Clearly the dedication he is putting into making only Continuum wine has taken priority, and although he says he is tempted to make other varieties, there are no plans to do so just yet. 

Traditional Shrimp Cocktail at Wish

Colorful Tomatos and Mozzarella
Editor's Note: Most of the choices on the WISH lunch menu were not geared for a wine with the stature of Continuum, so the food pairings were less than perfect. Saronn and I were disappointed with the food overall.

Carissa and Marcia play a major role in the entire winemaking process. Marcia shares an oversight of all aspects of Continuum in the company of Tim Mondavi, with wine experience dating back to 1974! She is a passionate ambassador of the family’s vision for their wines, and tells Dinnerreviews.com© that she’s thrilled with the early success of Continuum. When not in New York City or Napa Valley promoting their killer juice, you will find her traveling the world with her husband Tom and friends.

A couple of celebrities, Marcia Mondavi and Saronn Pov

Tim’s daughters are both invloved as well. Carissa is a young, energetic force in the company. She plays a key role in communications, hospitality and bringing Continuum to the market. Carissa has worked in the vineyards, cellars and as Senior Wine Educator in the Cultural Affairs Department of the Robert Mondavi Winery. In the theme of keeping it all in the family, Carissa's sister Chiara even designed the label on the Continuum bottles! Saronn and I were impressed but not surprised with Carissa and Chiara's accomplishments at such a young age. The Mondavis are an engaging, self-effacing family, and so down to earth! Before long, it seemed as though Saronn and I knew this family for years, not just hours.

Swordfish on Asian Noodle Salad

As we savored lunch of Italian style pasta and fresh swordfish, we moved on to the 2007 Continuum. The blend is very similar to the 2005, with 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Cabernet Franc and 18% Petit Verdot, creating a harmoniously balanced finished product. Exhibiting a bouquet of cardamom, truffles, graphite and black currant, Saronn and I began debating which vintage we liked better. Different strokes for different folks! Saronn liked the 2007 and I preferred the 2005! That’s what makes wine and food such a compelling subject, and one we both embrace whole-heartedly. We did agree however, that both wines were sensational, each exhibiting subtle, bold and loveable characteristics all their own.

L - R: Tom House, Carissa Mondavi, Tim Mondavi, Saronn Pov, Marcia Mondavi

Earlier I mentioned tasting Continuum wine was a privilege. I don't want to mislead any of my readers about the ease of tasting this wine yourselves, so please consider the price. The retail price point for a bottle of Continuum is about $140.00, and you would probably have to go to a "wine boutique" to get it. It is highly allocated. If purchasing Continuum in a restaurant, expect to pay upwards of $250.00. That being said, the next time you are in the mood for a phenomenal wine, look no further than Tim Mondavi’s Continuum! Upgrade your celebration at a restaurant with friends or make it a special dinner at home with the family or your significant other! As you know by now, Dinnerreviews.com© only offers and recommends the best in food and wine for our faithful readers. WISH Restaurant and Continuum wines are a couple of winners for sure.

After heartfelt thanks and goodbyes with the Mondavi family, and the flavors of Continuum still lingering on our palates, it was off to the beach for Saronn and me, only a half a block away. Just Another Day in Paradise!

These bold Continuum wines will benefit from decanting

Big News! An All New Dinnerreviews.com© Magazine is under construction right now! As Saronn always says, “The better it gets the better it gets”…and at Dinnerreviews.com©, we're getting better all the time! Visit Saronn's entertaining Internet Magazine at www.queenofhappycuisine.com, and thanks for joining me, Tom House, in my never-ending Search for the Five-Star Dining Experience!

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