Budbreak was delayed until the end of April due to early spring rains. This shift in timing helped the vineyard weather the summer heat, and as fall approached it looked to be a promising year for this site. Harvest began on September 27th and fortunately we were able to harvest the key components of Melbury before the wildfires broke out. The nose contains all of the classic red fruit intermixed, as well as fresh violets and baking spice. As is often the case, the mineral facet of Melbury is felt as a salty tinge within its rich velvet layers. The vintage uniquely highlights the gravity that this wine has and demonstrates an almost endless depth. As the wine lingers it embraces the emotional nature of this vintage with a calm reflection.

Sourced from select hillside estates, the Cabernet Sauvignon wines of BOND vividly demonstrate the range of Napa Valley's finest terroirs. From the more than eighty vineyards they have worked with over the past quarter century, they have slowly and vigilantly selected five sites. BOND became their covenant and shared commitment to produce only the best expression of the land. By way of this valuable experience, they had the opportunity to identify select properties that they felt had the potential to define the ‘Grand Crus’ of Napa Valley. These small hillside Cabernet vineyards, ranging in size from 7 to 11 acres, became the basis for the wines of BOND. Cory Empting began his career as the assistant winemaker to Bob Levy and now oversees winery and vineyard operations.