2016 Bond (Harlan) ‘Melbury’ Red Blend

JD100 Moving to the single vineyard releases, the 2016 Melbury is pure perfection in a glass and is the finest vintage of this cuvée I’ve tasted. Awesome notes of cassis, blackcurrants, toasted bread, white flowers, and spice give way to an ethereal, seamless, yet opulent wine that has that rare mix of power and elegance possessed by all truly great wines. Full-bodied, concentrated, and with building yet perfectly ripe tannins, do your best to give bottles 4-5 years of bottle age. It will evolve effortlessly for 30 years or more.
WA97+ Overlooking Lake Hennessy up on Pritchard Hill, Melbury vineyard has produced a beautifully elegant and vivacious signature in 2016, which clearly reveals the personality that this incredible site tends to want to give. Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2016 Melbury comes bounding out of the glass with expressive black and red currants notes followed by wild blueberries, warm plums, pencil shavings and wild sage plus wafts of lavender and crushed rocks. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is practically electric with energetic fruit, framed by firm, grainy tannins and invigorating freshness, finishing long and minerally.
Estate Notes: Budbreak began on March 30th; cool temperatures allowed early growth to develop slowly. The fruit set was lower than normal but resulted in beautiful, loose clusters. The upper slopes were harvested in the early part of September, followed by morning fog, which elongated ripening for the remaining vines.
The generous spirit of Melbury reminds us of a jovial companion who enlivens an intimate dining table. This year, our friend delivers a more pensive charm than in years past. A touch of cardamom and hints of red fruit rouse an otherwise brooding nose. While the classic velvety texture is present, there is a gentle resistance on the tannins—a palpable reminder of the clay rich soils of this site.