BOND Estates Matriarch 2012

The producer: BOND Estates

BOND Estates is a relatively new entity created in the late 1990s by Bill Harlan of Harlan Estate with Bob Levy as winemaker and Michel Rolland as consulting oenologist. Having worked with a myriad of wine estates in the Valley over many years, they were able to learn where to find the best fruit. From more than 60 vineyards, they chose 5 sites. From this moment, BOND was created. They produce 5 'Grand Crus' all Cabernet-Sauvignon based: Melbury (est. 1999; 106-159 metres in altitude), Vecina (est. 1999; 221-330 metres in altitude), St. Eden (est. 2001; 44-57 metres in altitude), Pluribus (est. 2003; 346-405 metres in altitude) and Quella (est. 2006; 132-181 metres in altitude). The soil, exposition and altitude of each vineyard plays upon the distinct styles of the wines. They also make an estate blend called the Matriarch from grapes that are not deemed worthy enough to go into their single crus. After its first vintages were released, they earned the title of 'cult wine', shortly thereafter due to its small production and incredibly high quality.