Bond St. Eden 2011

The 2011 St. Eden is especially dark and brooding in this vintage. Inward and tightly wound, the 2011 nevertheless possesses gorgeous mid-palate density and finesse. Graphite, smoke, earthiness, dark cherry, and plum notes gradually open up. Hints of sage, tobacco, and menthol are all laced into the powerful finish. The 2011 St. Eden is a gem, it just needs time to fully come together.

Bond was founded by Bill Harlan whose Harlan Estate is itself a pinnacle of Napa Valley. They are two separate, distinct projects—Harlan Estate follows the Bordeaux model (making a single primary wine from the estate, perhaps along with a secondary label), while Bond estate follows the Burgundy model. Using what general manager Paul Roberts calls "jewel box" vineyards, Bond is dedicated to producing wines that highlight ultra-specific places in Napa Valley and of grand cru quality. The enduring vision at Bond is to create a portfolio of wines that are diverse in their geographic representation and "Grand Cru" in quality, all under the umbrella of one philosophy, one team, one mark.