Bond - Vecina 2004

THE WINE ADVOCATE: WINEADVOCATE:"The 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon Vecina emerges from an 11-acre western Oakville hillside not far from the famed Harlan Estate. This wine, which I rated identically in 2008, has a huge nose of bouquet garni, roasted meats and is clearly the spiciest of all the Bond 2004s. It is full-bodied, viscous and thick, with some tannins still to resolve in the finish. Again, there’s no reason to defer gratification because of the incredibly complex aromas as well as flavors. Some new saddle leather also makes an appearance in this multidimensional, full and impressive wine. This is a terrific example of great Napa viticulture combined with extraordinary craftsmanship from Bob Levy and Michel Rolland, with a long-term vision provided by the inimitable Bill Harlan. Drink this wine over the next 2-3 decades."

FALSTAFF: FALSTAFF:"Kräftiges Rubingranat, violette Reflexe, zarte Randaufhellung. Feine Kirschenfrucht und Cassis, einladend, eher zarte Edelholznuancen. Stoffig, dunkle Beeren, feine Tannine, die dem Wein großen Halt geben, ausgewogen, bereits angereift, zarter Nougat im Nachhall, toller Speisenbegleiter, sicheres weiteres Entwicklungspotenzial. (Trinken/+25)"

WINE ENTHUSIAST: WINE ENTHUSIAST:Forward, rather jammy in blackberry, black raspberry, cherry, cola and cedar, with a dessert pastry richness suggesting macaroons and oatmeal raisin cookies. Incongruous as it sounds, there's also a complementary dusting of dried rosemary, lavender and thyme, like the garrigue scent of a southern Rhône wine. Drinks delicious and smooth, although lacking a touch of the refinement of St. Eden."