The 2008 St. Eden is one of the richest, fleshiest and best-balanced of the 2008s in the Bond portfolio. Dark red fruit, flowers, minerals and spices are some of the notes that take shape in the glass. The 2008 has the mid-palate pliancy that is less evident in some of the other 2008s here. There is plenty of focus as well, especially on the long, saline finish. Tar, smoke and licorice add the final notes of complexity. Bill Harlan and his team make the BOND wines through long-term lease arrangements they hold with vineyard owners in a handful of top hillside sites in Napa Valley. The Melbury, Quella and Vecina vineyards are planted with 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. The St. Eden vineyard includes 5% Cabernet Franc that was recently grafted onto Merlot rootstocks, while the Pluribus vineyard includes 13% Merlot and 11% Cabernet Franc. Overall, the 2008s are less consistent than the 2009s, which are shaping up to be brilliant. I also tasted a number of 2010s from barrel with Bill Harlan and winemakers Bob Levy and Corey Empting that were striking for their purity, depth and class.

What a nose of plums and dark fruits. Black licorice too. Full-bodied, with velvety tannins, plum and toasted oak. A little hollow on the mid-palate. But it comes through nicely. Give it one to two years to come together.

There's a touch of raciness in the aroma, with a sweet-sour edge to the vivid wild berry and currant notes that turn dry and chewy. Full-bodied and dense, with loamy, earthy tannins. Best from 2013 through 2023. 533 cases made. -JL