Bond - St. Eden 2012

ANTONIO GALLONI: "Sensual and silky in the glass, the 2012 St. Eden comes across as a bit subdued and even light, with less concentration and fewer shades of dimension than most other vintages. Perhaps the 2012 is in a bit of a closed phase. We will see. At this stage, the 2012 is a bit compact and not as expressive as it has been in prior tastings."

JAMES SUCKLING: " Beautiful fruit definition with blackberries, blueberries, chocolate and burnt orange character. Full body and round, fine powder texture plus dusty, velvety tannins. Long and gorgeous finish."

JANCIS ROBINSON: "Musky, nuanced aromatics. A sophisticated palate of fine-grained tannins and balancing acidity. The aromatics are expressive, carrying notes of wild cherry, rosemary, and camphor, which carry into the palate alongside bitter dark chocolate, fresh-pop blackcurrant and accents of tobacco through the finish. The palate is chewy, mouth-watering, with a sense of deftly carried, and well-honed brawn. There is a real focus on nuanced, precise craftsmanship and palate density here – this is as much a wine about style as it is about place – though it does show the lighter structure with less concentration of its vintage. Let this age before opening. (ECB)"

THE WINEADVOCATE: "From an 11-acre vineyard just north of the Oakville corridor, the 2012 St. Eden shows gorgeous, cedary Christmas fruitcake notes, black cherry and blackcurrant fruit, spice box, earth, and almost first growth Pauillac-like cassis and lead pencil shavings. Deep, full-bodied, and fabulously concentrated, this stunner flirts with perfection. Slightly more evolved than the Quella or Melbury, this wine may be the most drinkable out of the gate of all the Bond offerings in 2012. It should continue to evolve for at least 30+ years."

WINESPECTATOR: "Pure and graceful, with ripe, delicate red and dark berry flavors, light floral aromas and subtle oak nuances. An easy-drinking style, this is moderately tannic and should be ready to drink now or age short-term. To be released spring 2016. Drink now through 2026. 857 cases made. — JL"