2003 Bond Melbury Proprietary Red Wine Napa

(92-94 points) The 2003 Melbury Proprietary Red possesses white chocolate, blackberry, and cassis fruit along with a hint of espresso roast. Dense and rich, but not as opulent or supple as the St. Eden, it is a brawny, structured, tannic red that should age for 20 years. This is the newest brainchild of the irrepressible Bill Harlan and his sensational winemaking team of Bob Levy and Michel Rolland. These are all 100% terroir-based Cabernet Sauvignons from distinctive sites in Napa Valley. There are 600-700 cases of each cuvee. The Melbury represents a hillside vineyard site above Lake Hennessy, the St. Eden is a valley floor vineyard in the Oakville corridor, and Vecina is a western hillside vineyard adjacent to Harlan Estate. I also tasted a stunning wine from Spring Mountain, which may be the next site that Bill Harlan offers to Bond’s mailing list clients. The quality of these singular, extraordinary offerings is world-class. Wine Advocate # 162 Dec 2005