Winemaker Notes
Vecina is coined from the Spanish word for neighbor. This is our endeavor with the property situated directly southeast of the BOND winery. The beautifully terraced volcanic soil slopes of this property reside in Oakville’s western foothills. The 11-acre site faces due east and is the recipient of cool morning sun. Vecina, which appeared with the 1999 vintage in the inaugural BOND release, is always powerful, intense and savory. Vecina’s other hallmarks are blackberry fruit, with wild forest floor and mineral associated overtones.
Professional Ratings
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Jeb Dunnuck
Also pure perfection in a glass, the 2015 Vecina comes from an east-facing site located not far from the Harlan Estate. It was previously a terraced vineyard but was replanted when they opted to remove the terraces 7-8 years ago. Totally thrilling notes of crème de cassis, lead pencil, barbecue, white chocolate, and spring flower notes all flow to a full-bodied, powerful wine that has building tannins, no sensation of weight, hints of background oak, and incredible intensity and length. It’s a true “wow” wine that could not be better. Don’t miss it!
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James Suckling
Gorgeous pure fruit with a blackberry and blueberry character. Dried flowers and violets. Full-bodied, chewy and tannic but shows polish and finesse. A muscular yet beautifully fruity wine. Drink in 2021.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Bottled in early 2018, the 2015 Vecina is deep garnet-purple in color, with baked blackberries, black cherries and blackcurrant cordial aromas that leap from the glass with nuances of roses, pencil lead, menthol and mocha. The palate is full-bodied, very fine and incredibly seductive with a solid frame supporting the generous layers, finishing long and exotic.Rating: 98+
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Wine Spectator
Dense and slightly burly, this is a big 'un, with thickly layered fig, black currant and blackberry compote flavors framed by baker's chocolate and tobacco notes. Shows plenty of muscle, but there's a graphite edge buried deep, and this has drive, if you're willing to wait. Best from 2022 through 2038. 550 cases made.
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Decanter
This wine makes an immediate impression on the nose, which is both perfumed and opulent, with rich spicy oak aromas. That's echoed on the palate too, which is immensely concentrated and sustained by firm ripe tannins. There's enough tangy acidity to keep it fresh and balanced while also long and harmonious.
Undoubtedly proving its merit over and over, Napa Valley is a now a leading force in the world of prestigious red wine regions. Though Cabernet Sauvignon dominates Napa Valley, other red varieties certainly thrive here. Important but often overlooked include Merlot and other Bordeaux varieties well-regarded on their own as well as for their blending capacities. Very old vine Zinfandel represents an important historical stronghold for the region and Pinot noir is produced in the cooler southern parts, close to the San Pablo Bay.
Perfectly situated running north to south, the valley acts as a corridor, pulling cool, moist air up from the San Pablo Bay in the evenings during the hot days of the growing season, which leads to even and slow grape ripening. Furthermore the valley claims over 100 soil variations including layers of volcanic, gravel, sand and silt—a combination excellent for world-class red wine production.