Another gem in the lineup, the 2015 Melbury has a more feminine, elegant, seamless profile that certainly doesn’t lack for fruit. Loaded with notions of cassis, blueberries, flowers, and violets, it’s ethereal and elegant on the palate, with sweet fruit and opulence galore. It picks up ample tannins as well as mid-palate depth with time in the glass, is perfectly balanced, and has another 3-4 decades of longevity.

Jeb Dunnuck | 99 JD

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The more time passes, the more I think Melbury may turn out to be one of the most complete wines in the BOND range. The 2016 and 2015 both make a very strong case for that view. Tasted from bottle, the 2015 is exceptionally beautiful and vivid. Blood orange, mint and floral notes add nuance to an unbelievably polished, refined Cabernet Sauvignon. Put simply, the 2015 Melbury is a total stunner and every bit as captivating as it was last year.

Antonio Galloni | 98 AG

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Bottled in early 2018, the 2015 Melbury is deep garnet-purple colored with beautiful redcurrant jelly and crème de cassis notes with savory notions of tobacco, black olives and smoked meats plus a waft of lavender. The palate is full-bodied, firm and grainy, with a lively line lifting the perfumed, savory layers, finishing long.

Robert Parker Wine Advocate | 97 RP

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Beautiful blueberries, chocolate, walnuts and coffee beans. Full body, firm and chewy tannins and a flavorful finish. Needs two or three years to soften. Better in 2020.

James Suckling | 96 JS

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Bond is Bill Harlan’s ’Burgundian’ approach to a handful of Napa Valley Cabernet vineyards he considers ’Grand Crus’. The Harlan viticultural and winemaking teams are in complete control of the vineyards and make the wines. Melbury (named after a London neighborhood where the owners reside) is a tiny rocky mountain vineyard east of Rutherford. The 2016 has the intoxicating wild berry and mountain ’chaparral’ aromas reminiscent of the dry California forests that ring the valley. Very structured, with discernible tannins, the wine nonetheless exudes freshness. Drinking Window 2023 - 2045.

Decanter | 96 DEC

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A dense, ripe, loamy style, with lots of licorice, steeped black currant and tar notes in the mix, along with macerated plum and açaí berry and a brambly undertow on the finish. Weighty for sure but has energy, with a good buried iron note on the finish. Best from 2021 through 2035. 340 cases made.

Wine Spectator | 95 WS

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