BOND is a philosophy of creating premium wines from a single variety (Cabernet Sauvignon) from ‘grand cru’ site specific Napa Valley vineyards. This story begins when founder Bill Harlan owned Merryvale Winery in St. Helena and Bob Levy was his winemaker. At the time Merryvale worked with around 60 vineyards in the valley; ultimately Bob recognized several vineyards that stood out from the rest based on quality of site.
After Bill sold Merryvale, both he and Bob pursued a vision in which they would work together to create an estate built around select vineyards in the Napa Valley. In 1997 BOND was created.
Today five premium vineyards are under the BOND portfolio. These vineyards were hand selected and evaluated over a number of years before becoming part of their portfolio. Total production of each wine is between 450 and 600 cases a year.
100 Points Robert Parker Wine Advocate
rom a vineyard located on Spring Mountain, the 2018 Pluribus (a barrel sample) reveals a deep garnet-purple. Youthfully reticent, it needs a fair bit of coaxing to reveal gorgeous notions of wild blueberries, ripe black plums and warm cassis plus hints of tilled earth, truffles, menthol and tobacco leaf. The full-bodied palate is densely packed with tightly wound black and blue fruit layers, supported by firm, grainy tannins and great tension, finishing very long with loads of earthy/savory sparks.
99 points James Suckling
Tight and focused, dusty tannins to this full-to medium-bodied red with a focal point in the palate that shows blackcurrants, conifer and dark earth. Chewy and tight. Long finish, but rather reserved now. Drink from 2025.
99 Points Antonio Galloni
The 2018 Pluribus captures all of the savory, mineral intensity of this site on Spring Mountain. Searing tannins, once such a challenge here, are much more finessed than in the past. Crushed rocks, mint, blood orange, gravel, exotic spice and rose petal lend tremendous complexity as the Pluribus shows off its considerable allure. This taut, mountain Cabernet Sauvignon has so much to offer. Today, it is wonderfully complete and thrilling. Even so, the best is yet to come.