Bond is a visionary project founded by Bill Harlan and winemaker Bob Levy, established to showcase the diverse “Grand Cru” terroirs of Napa Valley through a collection of single-vineyard Cabernet Sauvignons. Unlike the blended approach of sister winery Harlan Estate, Bond focuses on long-term partnerships with select growers to produce wines that express the distinct geographic and geological character of specific hillsides. Melbury, sourced from a spectacular property on the slopes north of Lake Hennessey, was the first vineyard-designated wine released by Bond with the 1999 vintage. The site is characterized by its steep, east-facing exposures and ancient sedimentary soils embedded with compressed clay and sea shells. These unique conditions typically yield a wine known for its plush, elegant texture and high-toned red fruit, often described as the most “feminine” and aromatically expressive member of the Bond portfolio.

The 2020 growing season in Napa Valley was a year of profound intensity and climatic challenges, beginning with a dry winter and a warm spring that led to an early bud break. The summer was marked by consistent heat, which accelerated ripening and concentrated the flavors within the berries. While the vintage was famously complicated by late-season wildfires, the team at Bond utilized their rigorous estate-led protocols and advanced laboratory analysis to ensure only the most pristine, unaffected fruit was selected for the final bottling. At Melbury, the east-facing orientation provided a crucial advantage, shielding the vines from the harshest afternoon sun and preserving the vibrant acidity and floral aromatics that define the site. The resulting 2020 Melbury is a triumph of precision and resilience, offering a dense, multi-layered profile with the structural integrity to evolve beautifully over the coming decades.