2017 Bond Vecina Napa Valley (750ml) VERITAS

WINEMAKER NOTES:

From the beginning of aging, this Vecina has been a beacon, beckoning the other crus to follow. Aromatically the wine is vibrant, displaying its classic dried herbs and dark fruit, but with even greater life and dimension. The vertical nature of the wine does not impose, but impresses and inspires a reverence in the solidarity of this site. The savory 2017 is yet full of vitality and energy; its structural lines are more chiseled and defined than in other vintages.

TASTING NOTES:

Vivid, floral aromas with orange peel, raspberries and hints of cedar. Full-bodied, deep and long. Fresh center palate. Tight and dusty. Reserved. Give it time to show all it has to offer. Better after 2022.

– James Suckling, 97 pts.

Vecina vineyard is located in the western foothills of Oakville, just to the southeast of the winery (up on Oakville Grade). Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2017 Vecina needs a little coaxing to reveal notes of black currants, blackberries and blueberry compote with hints of dusty soil, cinnamon stick and fallen leaves. Slightly more structured than the other Bond 2017s, it has a rock-solid backbone of firm, grainy tannins and bold freshness supporting the muscular black and blue fruit flavors, finishing long and earthy. It will likely need a little longer to come around than its siblings, but it should also be longer lived.

– Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate, 97 pts.

Ripe and sappy in its intensity, but still driven as the dark plum, cassis and açaí berry fruit pumps through, flanked by apple wood and laced with a graphite note. Everything comes to a nice focal point on the finish, which extends with licorice root and sweet tobacco accents. Well-embedded acidity supports it all, lending this subtle tension and energy to offset its heft. A Cabernet Sauvignon-based blend. Best from 2022 through 2038. 640 cases made.

– Wine Spectator, 95 pts.