The Barrel Room Serving Up Rare Mondavi Wine

The Barrel Room has more than 250 wine selects, but one bottle has a rich history. Its 2009 Continuum varietal is rare. Not only is this wine sold out at Continuum Estate and in many shops, but it is also notable because it was the last batch famed winemaker Robert Mondavi had a hand in making, according to The Barrel Room General Manager Nate Higson.

In 2004, Mondavi sold off his winery to Constellation Brands and began Continuum Estate with his children. He died just four years later after 40 years in winemaking, but not before planting for the 2009 vintage.

Continuum 2009 is a blend of varieties grown above the Napa Valley. It is 77 percent Cabernet Sauvignon, 12 percent Cabernet Franc, 7 percent Petit Verdot and 4 percent Merlot. It has aromas of wild blackberry, chocolate and summer rose with tastes of cardamom and black truffle.

The bottle sells for $185.

If you are looking for something less expensive, wines by the bottle start at $12 at The Barrel Room. It offers wine flights every day and a themed-tasting on Sundays.