2008 Matriarch Cabernet Sauvignon

The 2008 Matriarch shows lovely focus in an understated expression of dark red fruit. Flowers, spices, licorice and tobacco are nicely layered into the finish. Overall, the 2008 comes across as a bit compact. 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.

This is so great now. Aromas of plums and dark chocolate with hints of flowers. Bramble berries. Sweet tobacco. Full-bodied, with silky and refined tannins, with super fine tannins and a beautiful finish.

Good full ruby-red. Currant, tobacco, graphite and sexy cedar oak tones on the nose. At once creamy and vibrant, with a deeply spicy quality to the dark fruit and mineral flavors. Ripe and seamless wine with a suave, lingering finish. A lovely wine with considerable early appeal.