Our 11th Year !

Lightly Nicked Label

$355

WA 93 (12/2006): Bond’s new baby, Pluribus, is primarily all Cabernet Sauvignon from a vineyard planted high on Spring Mountain (at a 900 foot elevation). As one might expect, the 2003 Pluribus exhibits an inky/blue/purple color in addition to a beautiful bouquet of blueberries, violets, and crushed rocks. Pure, rich, and streamlined, with blue and black fruit flavors that linger on the palate, this distinctive red should drink well for 15 or more years.

2004

$395

WS 96 (10/2007): A rich, opulent, fleshy style, brimming with ripe black cherry, wild berry and currant flavors that are supple and well-focused, keeping the fruit well-centered and ending with ripe tannins that have a nice earthy, cedary edge. There's wonderful length on the finish. Best from 2009 through 2018. 630 cases made.

WA 95 (12/2007): The newest wine, Pluribus, will give just about any vineyard on Spring Mountain a run for its money. The 2004 Pluribus has a dense purple color and an elegant, sweet nose of creme de cassis intermixed with some camphor, graphite, and a hint of blueberry (or is it very ripe raspberries?). Quite opulent, full-bodied, but with good underlying acidity, this wine is fresh and remarkably light on its feet for a wine of such enormous intensity and richness. These efforts are all brilliantly executed wines from obviously fabulous sites.

VM 94 (6/2007): Saturated deep ruby. Reticent but pure aromas of black raspberry, cassis, licorice and minerals. A major mouthful of wine but ultimately less dense and sweet than the 2005. Sound acidity gives the fruit a racy quality and imbues the wine with energy. Finishes with huge, broad, chocolatey tannins.

2010

$425

VM 98 (11/2013): Graphite, smoke, savory herbs, tobacco and licorice all meld together in a huge, powerful, structured wine. Layers of fruit cover every inch of the palate in a dark, brooding wine endowed with serious intensity. Today, the 2010 is absolutely striking in its beauty. Always a big, tannic wine, the 2010 Pluribus is one of the most elegant and refined Cabernet Sauvignons I have ever tasted from this site. The intensely savory, mineral notes typical of the wine are there, but the 2010 also has a level of purity in its fruit that is striking. This is a stunning wine from BOND.

WA 97 (10/2013): The 2010 Pluribus reveals classic notes of blueberry and mulberry fruit intermixed with hints of violets, incense and licorice. The striking aromatics are followed by a full-bodied, dense, supple-textured, multidimensional wine that should drink well for 25-30 years.

VM 95+ (5/2013): Good deep ruby-red. Distinctly wild aromas of dark berries, leather and licorice, with a whiff of game; as in some past years, this called to mind a ripe vintage of Leoville-Las Cases. Then dense and savory in the mouth but not especially sweet, with superconcentrated dark fruit flavors showing a brambly mountain intensity and attractive spicy lift. Still extremely backward, this very powerful, youthfully medicinal wine conveys a strong impression of dry extract. The slowly mounting finish features very strong but fine-grained tannins. A good percentage of this wine is fermented in barrels in an attempt to soften its huge Spring Mountain tannins.

JS 94 (5/2014): Extremely floral, with violets and dark berries such as blueberries. Full, bold palate with chewy tannins, warm stone and fresh herbs. Some bark and sandalwood. Chewy wine. Needs time to soften: better in 2018.

WS 92 (10/2013): Dense and extracted, offering a powerful mix of loamy earth, dried berry, herb, road tar and pencil lead, this is also quite tannic and cedary. Should reward cellaring. Best from 2015 through 2028. 568 cases made.

2013

$495

VM 96 (5/2024): The 2013 Pluribus is a huge, dense wine. Dark fruit, chocolate, espresso, licorice, menthol and dark spice all power through as this potent, heady Cabernet Sauvignon gradually opens in the glass. At the time, new oak usage was 100%, and that is pretty evident in this tasting. Today’s new oak is closer to 50%. Antonio Galloni.

2021

$590

VM 98 (12/2024): The 2021 Pluribus is just as exceptional as it was from barrel. Complex, dynamic and ever-changing in the glass, the 2021 coveys tons of mountain structure. Graphite, crushed rocks, mint, spice, licorice and lavender are all laced together in a dramatic, dense wine endowed with tremendous pedigree. This site on Spring Mountain yields Cabernets loaded with character. (Drink between 2028-2041). Antonio Galloni.

JD 96+ (1/2025): Usually one of the most structured wines in the lineup, the 2021 Pluribus is more medium to full-bodied and elegant, with a terrific perfume of black and blue fruits intermixed with exotic flowers, violets, and graphite nuances. It has a certain exotic edge, is beautifully balanced, has fine tannins, and a great finish. It's another seamless, elegant, very classically built Cabernet Sauvignon from this team that deserves 4-6 years of bottle age and will be long-lived. (Drink starting 2029).

2008

Quella Proprietary Blend

$350

VM 94 (6/2011): Full ruby-red color. Very ripe aromas of raspberry, licorice and menthol; this too struck me as claret-like. Sweet and refined in the mouth, already showing superb harmony to its raspberry, redcurrant and graphite flavors. Finishes with suave tannins and Outstanding length. Like the Melbury, this seems balanced to give early pleasure but should have no trouble lasting for 15 to 20 years in bottle. (Incidentally, pHs here were average in 2008 but acids a bit higher, said director of winegrowing Bob Levy, who offered the opinion that 2008 was a bit like 2005 in style.)

WS 94 (11/2011): Firm and structured, with loamy earth, mocha and espresso, this is ripe and lively, with currant, blueberry and wild berry notes that are pleasingly subtle and detailed. Even more expansive and syrupy on the finish. Best from 2012 through 2022. 502 cases made.

WA 93 (12/2011): The 2008 Quella is a dark, brooding wine loaded with super-ripe dark black fruit, smoke, tar and licorice. It is a seriously intense wine that will require bottle age. This is an especially authoritative wine from Bond. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2028.

JS 93 (6/2011): This is the third vintage from this site. Licorice and flowers and lavender aromas. Full body, with super velvety tannins and a medium finish. Lovely wood on the finish. Sandalwood undertone. Give it a year or two to come together more

2013

Quella Proprietary Blend

$395

VM 96 (11/2017): The 2013 Quella is dark, ample and enveloping in all of its dimensions. Super-ripe black cherry, mocha, spice and leather notes flesh out in the glass. All things considered, the Quella is a fairly approachable 2013 Cabernet. Although it can be enjoyed with minimal cellaring, the 2013 has plenty of vintage 2013 structure lurking beneath the huge, expansive fruit. This is a gorgeous Quella. Antonio Galloni.

2003

$350

VM 94 (11/2017): There is plenty to admire in the 2003 St. Eden. Sensual and voluptuous in the glass, the 2003 possesses striking intensity and terrific overall balance. Mocha, smoke, tobacco, black stone fruit and leather notes are pushed forward in this sumptuous, pliant Cabernet Sauvignon. Although not especially complex, the 2003 is quite tasty. Antonio Galloni.

WA 94 (6/2013): The 2003 St. Eden comes from an 11-acre rocky knoll on the northern side of the Oakville Crossroad that consists of pure red soils. It is the most evolved and forward of these 2003 Bond wines. Lots of cedar, chocolate, roasted herb, lavender and spice box notes emerge from this complex Pauillac-like effort. Medium to full-bodied and fully mature, it is more evolved than its siblings, revealing sweet tannin as well as a spicy, earthy finish. Owners are advised to drink it over the next decade.

WS 93 (7/2013): A creamy oak overlay softens the tannins in this rich and full-bodied version, with complex anise, mocha, dark berry, subtle spice and roasted coffee notes. Drink now through 2020. 725 cases made.

2011

$315

WA 95 (10/2014): The 2011 Proprietary Red Blend St. Eden is even better than it was last year from the barrel. This is always a great sign and reflects not only excellent winemaking, but meticulous elevage and bottling techniques. One of the superstars of this much maligned vintage, this beauty offers up notes of forest floor, Christmas fruitcake, cedar, blackcurrants and sweet cherries. Broad, savory, full-bodied and opulent, it is already complex and delicious, and should continue to provide immense pleasure for 10-15 more years.

VM 94+ (12/2014): The 2011 St. Eden is especially dark and brooding in this vintage. Inward and tightly wound, the 2011 nevertheless possesses gorgeous mid-palate density and finesse. Graphite, smoke, earthiness, dark cherry and plum notes gradually open up. Hints of sage, tobacco and menthol are all laced into the powerful finish. The 2011 St. Eden is a gem, it just needs time to fully come together.

VM 94 (5/2014): Bright, dark ruby. Complex aromas of black fruits, violet, licorice, leather and sexy truffley soil tones; reminded me a bit of Chateau Latour. Boasts terrific, sharply delineated berry and medicinal black cherry flavors and lovely inner-mouth aromatic perfume. Very suave wine with a restrained sweetness. Finishes sweetly tannic, with noteworthy aromatic persistence. A beautifully balanced example of the vintage.

JS 93 (5/2014): This is chewy, with a tar and berry character, including raspberries. Full body, tangy acidity, burnt orange and juicy fruit. Better in 2017.

2012

$400

WA 98 (10/2015): From an 11-acre vineyard just north of the Oakville corridor, the 2012 St. Eden shows gorgeous, cedary Christmas fruitcake notes, black cherry and blackcurrant fruit, spice box, earth, and almost first growth Pauillac-like cassis and lead pencil shavings. Deep, full-bodied, and fabulously concentrated, this stunner flirts with perfection. Slightly more evolved than the Quella or Melbury, this wine may be the most drinkable out of the gate of all the Bond offerings in 2012. It should continue to evolve for at least 30+ years.

JS 97 (7/2015): Beautiful fruit definition with blackberries, blueberries, chocolate and burnt orange character. Full body and round, fine powder texture plus dusty, velvety tannins. Long and gorgeous finish.

VM 95 (10/2015): The 2012 St. Eden is totally seamless and polished in the glass. Silky tannins add to an overall impression of total voluptuousness. The 2012 isn't quite as expressive as the very best years, but it is a gorgeous wine that won't require more than a few years in bottle to be at its best. Dark, smoky and scorched flavors meld into the powerful finish.

WS 93 (11/2015): Pure and graceful, with ripe, delicate red and dark berry flavors, light floral aromas and subtle oak nuances. An easy-drinking style, this is moderately tannic and should be ready to drink now or age short-term. To be released spring 2016. Drink now through 2026. 747 cases made.

2013

$450

VM 95 (5/2024): The 2013 St. Eden is starting to show the first signs of aromatic maturity. Dark cherry, plum, espresso, chocolate and licorice are all amplified. This plush, deep Cabernet Sauvignon is striking today. It's a fine choice for drinking now and over the next decade or so, although I do not see it improving from here. Antonio Galloni.

2015

$569

JD 100 (1/2019): Moving to the 2015s tasted from bottle, this is an incredible vintage for this estate and there are two perfect wines in the lineup. First up, the 2015 St. Eden, from a hillside of red volcanic soils near Oakville, boasts a saturated purple color and heavenly notes of blackcurrants, scorched earth, lead pencil shavings, and huge crushed rock-like minerality. It’s full-bodied, deep, and layered on the palate, with incredible concentration, yet it stays seamless, pure, and perfectly balanced. It’s a magical wine to drink over the coming 2-3 decades. (Drink between 2019-2049).

WA 99 (10/2018): Bottled in early 2018, the deep garnet-purple colored 2015 St. Eden springs from the glass with exuberant blueberry pie, potpourri and spice cake scents followed by a black raspberry, cassis and preserved plums core plus a touch of wild sage. Full-bodied, plush and decadently fruited, it completely packs the palate with layer upon layer of black fruit preserves, finishing very long with those spices coming through.

VM 96 (12/2018): The 2015 St. Eden is another wine in this lineup that is not quite as expressive as it can be. Firm tannins dominate over softer contours that so often make St. Eden such an alluring wine. Time in the glass brings out an attractive set of dark cherry, plum, leather and tobacco notes. Even so, the 2015 is going to need a number of years to be at its very best. (Drink between 2022-2032). Antonio Galloni.

1999

$350

VM 92 (6/2003): (like the Melbury, this is from 100% cabernet sauvignon planted in 1990) Ruby-red. Explosive, wild nose combines roasted red berries, grilled meat, tar, brown sugar, mocha and truffle. Dense but juicy, with more power and thrust than the '99 Melbury but not quite the same early appeal. Intriguing notes of smoke, herbs and truffle. Finishes with very smooth, fine tannins.

WS 91 (12/2009): Pleasantly earthy, firm, dry and structured, with dried currant, black cherry, spice and black and green olive flavors folding together nicely. Full-bodied and tannic, yet focused and persistent, gaining depth on the finish. The best of two bottles tasted.—1999 California Cabernet blind retrospective (2009). Drink now through 2015. 225 cases made.

WA 90-92 (12/2002): The 1999 Vecina, a 100% Cabernet Sauvignon offering, exhibits aromas of graphite, tar, coffee, and creme de cassis. It is more austere and less charming and seductive than the 1999 "S". This powerful, muscular Cabernet will be at its best between 2006-2020.

2003

Vecina Proprietary Blend (1.5 L)

$325

VM 93+ (6/2006): Good medium ruby color. Roasted black fruits and a suggestion of almost port-like ripeness on the nose. Lush, superripe and powerful, with superb density of flavor. With notes ranging from black olive to dark chocolate, this shows a wider range of ripeness than either the highly promising young 2004 or the remarkably lush and sweet 2002 (which I scored 95 on this latest occasion).

WA 93 (12/2006): More difficult to evaluate than its siblings, the 2003 Vecina, which comes from a site near Harlan Estate, is a firm, tannic, backward wine displaying a gravelly, scorched earth, hot rock, black currant, licorice, and herb-scented bouquet. In the mouth, it is tight, rich, and ruggedly constructed with medium to full body as well as a boatload of tannin. Give it 4-5 years of cellaring, and consume it over the following 15.

2003

$600

2008

$400

JS 96 (6/2011): Insane nose of porcini mushrooms and dark fruits. Forest floor too. Hints of spices. Amazing. Blackfruits too! Full-bodied, with an amazing finish. This is superb. So long and powerful. Needs another two to three years to come around.

VM 96 (6/2011): Good full ruby. Highly aromatic nose combines dark fruits, dried herbs, violet and forest floor spices. Explosively sweet and deep, with a spicy core of dark fruit flavors that fans out on the back half to saturate the palate. Finishes with strong but lush tannins and captivating violet lift. Remarkably horizontal for a cabernet-based wine from this vintage.

WA 95 (12/2011): The 2008 Vecina is a huge, strapping wine bursting with dark fruit, leather, licorice, smoke, minerals and tar. It possesses striking mid-palate depth and more than enough fruit to stand up to the firm, imposing tannins. Iron, graphite, smoke and minerals are layered into the dark, brooding finish. This is an impressive showing. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2025.

WS 94 (11/2011): Engagingly complex and layered, with a mix of dried currant, wild berry, forest floor, cedar, black licorice and tobacco flavors. Full-bodied and slow to unfold, gaining a sweetness on the finish. Best from 2013 through 2023. 601 cases made.

2011

$310

VM 95 (12/2014): One of the more voluptuous, ample wines in this series, the 2011 Vecina is endowed with a real sense of class. Dark red and black fruit, smoke, new leather and licorice blossom in a surprisingly rich, powerful wine for the year. This super-expressive, resonant Cabernet Sauvignon hits all the right notes. Hints of sweet tobacco, licorice and menthol add the final notes of complexity.

WA 94 (10/2014): The 2011 Vecina Proprietary Red Blend possesses Pauillac-like notes of scorched earth, new saddle leather, spice box, vanillin and blackcurrants. With great fruit, stunning depth and a distinctive earthiness, this open-knit, opulent, juicy, fleshy 2011 should drink well for 15-20 years.

JS 94 (5/2014): A solid wine with terracotta, hazelnut, cocoa-powder and berry character. Medium to full body with velvety tannins. Some austerity. Needs a year or two to soften.

VM 92+ (5/2014): Deep ruby color. Highly aromatic nose offers blackberry, medicinal black cherry and licorice. Densely packed and bright but brooding and closed in on itself; this is the 2011 Bond wine that's most affected today by the bottling. (Winemaker Corey Empting says it has totally shut down.) Finishes juicy and very long if a bit spiky today. Very hard to judge at present but based on a barrel sample I tried a year ago, it's hard to believe that this wine won't eventually merit a higher score.

2012

$450

WA 100 (10/2015): From an 11-acre vineyard sitting near Bond’s winery and the Harlan estate, the 2012 Vecina Proprietary Red is the perfect Napa version of a hypothetical blend of a La Mission Haut-Brion and Mouton-Rothschild. This is riveting Cabernet Sauvignon with great intensity, a killer fragrance of burning embers, charcoal, gravel, blackberry, cassis and earth. Fabulously intense and full-bodied, with majestic flavor intensity, a skyscraper-like mouthfeel, incredible purity and length, and supple tannins, this magnificent wine comes closest to the great Harlan Estate itself. Drink it over the next 35 years.

JS 98 (7/2015): This is a Vecina that really builds on the palate with a chewy and juicy texture that melts away. Lots of dried and dark fruits plus fresh bark and sweet tobacco. Dark tea leafs and citrus too. Great finish. This is a wine that only shows a touch of the greatness it will give in four or five years.

WS 95 (11/2015): Deliciously pure and polished, with a juicy mix of blackberry, wild berry, currant and black licorice flavors, supported by firm, fine-grained tannins that give this a gentle texture and nice grip. Ends with a dusty, cedary aftertaste. To be released 2016. Drink now through 2028. 651 cases made.

VM 95 (10/2015): The 2012 Vecina is deep, powerful and intense. Scorched earth, smoke, leather, menthol and dark spices are some of the signatures. As always, the Vecina presents a powerful, vertical sense of structure, with more than enough tannin to keep for two decades. This is a decidedly brooding Vecina.

2013