Bond Melbury 2018

Category:
 
Red Wines
Sub-Category:  
 
Red Wines
Producer:
 
Bond
Label Name:
 
Melbury
Vintage:
 
2018
Country:
 
United States
Region:
 
Napa Valley (Melbury vineyard, Pritchard Hill / north of Lake Hennessey)
Volume:
 
750ml
ABV:
 
14.5%
Grape(s):
 
Cabernet Sauvignon (primarily; some vintages/blends may include small percentages of Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petit Verdot)
Acidity:
 
3
Tannins:
 
3
Sweetness:
 
1
Body:
 
4
Length:
 
4
Aroma Intensity:
 
4
Best Temperature:
 
16-18°C

Awards/Ratings
Antonio Galloni (Vinous) 98; James Suckling 98; Wine Advocate (Lisa Perrotti‑Brown) ~97; Jeb Dunnuck 97–99; Wine Spectator ~96–98

Tasting Note
Elegant, medium–full Cabernet with bright dark/red berries, violets and rose petal, graphite and mint notes, warm spice, subtle chocolate and mineral streaks; long, refined finish with sweetly integrated tannins.

Food Pairing
Western: grilled ribeye, roast lamb, venison, aged cheddar. Asian: Peking duck, Korean BBQ (bulgogi/galbi), char siu, miso‑glazed dishes.

Production Method
Hand-harvested hillside fruit; small-lot fermentation; aged in French oak barrels (approx. 18–22 months, portion new). Minimal fining/filtration typical of Bond practices.

Vineyard Info
BOND Estates (Bill Harlan project) produces single‑vineyard Cabernets from leased, high‑quality hillside sites. Melbury is a rocky ~7‑acre Pritchard Hill site overlooking Lake Hennessey.