Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2008 St. Eden is one of the richest, fleshiest and best-balanced of the 2008s in the Bond portfolio. Dark red fruit, flowers, minerals and spices are some of the notes that take shape in the glass. The 2008 has the mid-palate pliancy that is less evident in some of the other 2008s here. There is plenty of focus as well, especially on the long, saline finish. Tar, smoke and licorice add the final notes of complexity. Anticipated maturity: 2018-2028.
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Wine Enthusiast
Full ruby-red. Subtle aromas of red- and blackcurrant, dried sage and nutty oak lifted by a floral topnote. Densely packed, thick and pliant but youthfully reserved, with noteworthy purity to its dark berry flavors. Finishes impressively long, with plush tannins. This youthfully backward wine will need at least several years of bottle aging. The wine's small merlot component was picked at the end of August.
93(+?) Points -
Wine Spectator
There's a touch of raciness in the aroma, with a sweet-sour edge to the vivid wild berry and currant notes that turn dry and chewy. Full-bodied and dense, with loamy, earthy tannins. Best from 2013 through 2023
One of the world’s most classic and popular styles of red wine, Bordeaux-inspired blends have spread from their homeland in France to nearly every corner of the New World. Typically based on either Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot and supported by Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot, the best of these are densely hued, fragrant, full of fruit and boast a structure that begs for cellar time. Somm Secret—Blends from Bordeaux are generally earthier compared to those from the New World, which tend to be fruit-dominant.
Home to some of the most sought-after Cabernet Sauvignon in America, Napa Valley’s Oakville district stretches across the center of Napa's valley floor and foothills between the Vaca and Mayacamas Mountains. This AVA is home to the legendary To Kalon Vineyard and Martha's Vineyard, as well as many powerhouse wineries including Screaming Eagle, Silver Oak, Robert Mondavi, Opus One, Far Niente and Groth.
The climate is generally warm and agreeable, resulting in year after year of favorable vintages. Summer days see a gentle tug of war between warmer inland air and the cool air coming in from the San Pablo Bay, creating an ideal environment to grow red varieties. Oakville's diverse soils, namely ancient sea bedrock, clay and gravel, are well-drained, and perfect for high-caliber viticulture.
Cabernet here is often bottled varietally but is also popular in Bordeaux Blends. Oakville wines are known for their silky, sensual textures, structured tannins, dark and brooding fruit and lovely aromatics. These age-worthy and prestigious wines are favored by collectors throughout the world.