Category: | Red Wines |
Sub-Category: | Red Wines |
Producer: | Bond |
Label Name: | Melbury |
Vintage: | 2018 |
Country: | United States |
Region: | Napa Valley (Melbury vineyard, Pritchard Hill / north of Lake Hennessey) |
Volume: | 750ml |
ABV: | 14.5% |
Grape(s): | Cabernet Sauvignon (primarily; some vintages/blends may include small percentages of Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petit Verdot) |
Acidity: | 3 |
Tannins: | 3 |
Sweetness: | 1 |
Body: | 4 |
Length: | 4 |
Aroma Intensity: | 4 |
Best Temperature: | 16-18°C |
Awards/Ratings
Antonio Galloni (Vinous) 98; James Suckling 98; Wine Advocate (Lisa Perrotti‑Brown) ~97; Jeb Dunnuck 97–99; Wine Spectator ~96–98
Tasting Note
Elegant, medium–full Cabernet with bright dark/red berries, violets and rose petal, graphite and mint notes, warm spice, subtle chocolate and mineral streaks; long, refined finish with sweetly integrated tannins.
Food Pairing
Western: grilled ribeye, roast lamb, venison, aged cheddar. Asian: Peking duck, Korean BBQ (bulgogi/galbi), char siu, miso‑glazed dishes.
Production Method
Hand-harvested hillside fruit; small-lot fermentation; aged in French oak barrels (approx. 18–22 months, portion new). Minimal fining/filtration typical of Bond practices.
Vineyard Info
BOND Estates (Bill Harlan project) produces single‑vineyard Cabernets from leased, high‑quality hillside sites. Melbury is a rocky ~7‑acre Pritchard Hill site overlooking Lake Hennessey.