2005 Bond Melbury Napa Valley Red [V95][WA95][WE95][D93][JG93]

Producer: Bond 
Region: Napa Valley, California 
Blend: Bordeaux Red Blend  
Year: 2005  

Vinous, 95 Points 

"A very pleasant surprise, the 2005 Melbury is also the first wine in this tasting that shows the onset of aromatic notes that are leading into the tertiary realm. Even so, the 2005 possesses superb depth and terrific resonance in all of its dimensions. I expect the 2005 will drink well for another 10-15 years given its palate weight." 

Wine Advocate, 95 Points 

"The 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon Melbury, which comes from the hills east of Rutherford just north of Lake Hennessey and Pritchard Hill, is absolutely spectacular. This is a 7-acre parcel, planted in sedimentary and clay soils on steep slopes. Deep purple, with blueberry, black raspberry and graphite notes, a gracious and generous, full-bodied mouthfeel, soft, but noticeable tannin, a refreshing finish and loads of complexity, this is a compelling 2005 that seems to be coming close to its plateau of maturity, where it should last for 20-25 years." 

Wine Enthusiast, 95 Points 

"Lots of fresh herbs and spices in this beautiful red wine. Offers loads of red and black currants and chocolate, with a fine application of cedar and cigar box from oak. Very fine, enormously likeable." 

Decanter, 93 Points 

John Gilman, 93 Points 

"The Melbury bottling from Bond Estate hails from vineyards in the foothills to the east of the valley floor, equidistant between St. Helena and Rutherford. The 2005 shows quite a bit of its Rutherford heritage in its more red fruity nose than many of the Bond bottlings, as it offers up a young and very classy nose of red and black cherries, a nice touch of Rutherford Dust, cigar wrapper, woodsmoke, soil and plenty of spicy new wood. On the palate the wine is big, full-bodied and impeccably balanced, with a great core of fruit, plenty of firm tannins, tangy acids and superb length and grip on the focused and slightly hot finish. Like all of the Bond Estates wines, this will be a very good bottle with five to seven years of bottle age, but I would love to see it drop down at least half a percentage point in terms of alcohol and really let the soil tones shine through. But all in all this is a very well-made, modern cabernet that sidesteps many of the land mines that plague so many producers of this genre." 

Alcohol: 14.5% 

*Discounts do not apply to items like this one in the Fine & Rare category. Price and availability in store may vary.