Bond Estate Vecina 2018

Seductive aromas of blackcurrants, plums and flowers, including roses. Really incredible this year with such verticality, depth and brightness. Goes on and on and on. Superb fruit character with plums and currants. Love it. Drinkable now, but give it time. Try after 2025.

Vecina vineyard is located in the western foothills of Oakville, just to the southeast of the winery (up on Oakville Grade). A barrel sample, the 2018 Vecina displays a deep garnet-purple color and offers slowly emerging classic notes of black currants, black cherries, blackberry pie and cedar chest with hints of charcoal, tar, pencil lead and fragrant earth. The full-bodied palate has a rock-solid structure of firm, grainy tannins and tons of freshness supporting the generous black fruits, finishing on a lingering mineral note.

Coming from an east-facing site not far from Harlan Estate in Oakville and all volcanic soils, the 2018 Vecina reveals a dense purple color as well as a great nose of red and black plum, chocolate, Asian spices, tobacco, and lead pencil. It's a rich, concentrated, powerful wine that says fresh, lively, and pure, with gorgeous tannins. It's one incredible wine that has some up-front appeal, yet it will cruise for 30 years if stored correctly.