Bond is the single-vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon project of Bill Harlan, founder of Harlan Estate and the Meadowood resort, established in 1997 as a Burgundy-inspired exploration of Napa Valley’s finest distinct sites. Unlike Harlan Estate, which draws on multiple vineyards to produce a single grand cru wine, Bond produces five separate wines from five individual crus, each representing a specific hillside site from which the Harlan family identified genuinely exceptional potential. Cory Empting has served as head winemaker since 2012.

Melbury originates from a seven-acre site set on the slopes north of Lake Hennessey, east of Rutherford, with a southerly exposition that captures morning sunlight while moderating afternoon temperatures. Planted in 1991 at elevations between 400 and 500 feet, the vineyard produces fruit that has always been characterised by elegance, plush red fruits and an underlying floral delicacy. The 2014 vintage in Napa Valley was small in volume but outstanding in quality, delivering wines of fine-grained tannin structure and impressive purity.

Bond has accumulated an extraordinary critical record: 23 perfect 100-point scores from leading critics since its inaugural release across the five cru wines. The project’s deliberate restraint in production and its positioning of each site as an individual grand cru equivalent have given Bond wines a collectability that rivals the finest single-vineyard Cabernets in the world. The 2014 Melbury attracted 97 points from Vinous and 96 from the Wine Advocate, the best showing yet for this cru at the time of release.

Deep garnet-purple with aromas of crushed plums, black cherry, cassis and dark chocolate, with hints of black pepper and liquorice. Full-bodied and richly textured on the palate with fine-grained tannins and a firm, fresh backbone, finishing long and peppery. A wine of exceptional ageing potential, best from 2025 through 2040.

A vivid, highly expressive Cabernet, the 2014 is all class. Floral notes meld into a core of creamy, beautifully resonant dark red-toned fruit. Pliant, silky tannins wrap it all up in style. More than anything, the wine’s exquisite balance impresses most. — Vinous