Napa news roundup

Quite a ruckus was raised in Napa Valley last week.

First, there was the shock announcement that Chateau Montelena is being purchased by Château Cos d’Estournel’s Michel Reybier (pending federal approval). Everyone knew Montelena was for sale; that the buyer was a Bordeaux second growth threw most for a loop.

Then it was Continuum, a Napa brand started by the late Robert Mondavi, his wife Margrit, son Tim, and daughter Marcia Mondavi Borger, revealing that it had purchased a vineyard/winery home on Pritchard Hill, overlooking St Helena and near Bryant Family, Chappellet, Colgin and Long Vineyards.

Continuum, founded by...