Bond - St. Eden 2001

THE WINE ADVOCATE: WINEADVOCATE:"Utterly perfect, another wine that seems to have taken on a first-growth Pauillac-like character (think Mouton-Rothschild) is the 2001 St. Eden. With a remarkably perfumed nose of crushed rocks, subtle barbecue smoke, and again, cedar wood intermixed with creme de cassis and blackberry, this wine displays a phenomenally concentrated mouthfeel, full-bodied opulence, voluptuous texture, and of this trio, is certainly the closest to its apogee of full maturity. Nevertheless, it will still benefit from another 5-10 years of cellaring and keep for an additional 25-30."

WINE SPECTATOR: WINE SPECTATOR:"Shares the weight, density and concentration (along with the tannin mass) of the other Bond Cabs, yet delivers a wider range of flavor and a touch more finesse, unfolding to reveal a core of dark berry, pencil lead, graphite, mocha and touches of loamy earth and mineral. Great structure; great future.—2001 California Cabernet blind retrospective (June 2011). Drink now through 2025."

THE WINE CELLAR INSIDER: WINE CELLAR INSIDER:"The debut vintage of this offshoot from Harlan estate offers a nose filled with smoke, blackberry, earth, charcoal, tobacco and cassis. While rich and concentrated, this is more of a finesse style of California Cabernet Sauvignon, which ends with a fresh, sensuous, spice, earth and black cherry liqueur filled finish. 2001 Bond St. Eden is drinking great today."

WINE ENTHUSIAST: WINE ENTHUSIAST:"From Oakville, a wine quite different from Bond's Melbury. Not as immediately lush and flamboyant, it's a trace more reserved. Darker, too, more tannic and closed. Starts with an earthiness. Airing brings out cherries and cassis. There is great balance and integrity here, even though it is in desperate need of cellaring. Drink 2009."