BOND is the visionary project of Bill Harlan and winemaker Bob Levy, established to identify and celebrate the “Grand Crus” of Napa Valley. Following the success of Harlan Estate, BOND was conceived to showcase the diverse terroirs of the region through five distinct Hillside Select Cabernet Sauvignons. The Vecina vineyard, located on the western foothills of Oakville, just southeast of the BOND winery, has been a cornerstone of the portfolio since the inaugural 1999 vintage. Derived from the Spanish word for “neighbor,” Vecina is situated on a steep, south-facing slope with sedimentary volcanic soils. This site is known for producing the most powerful, masculine, and savory wines in the BOND collection, often characterized by their intense structure, dark fruit profile, and scorched earth minerality that reflects the rugged beauty of the Oakville bench.

The 2021 growing season in Napa Valley is being hailed as a “modern classic,” defined by a cold, dry winter and an exceptionally long, temperate summer. Following several years of drought, the vines were naturally low-yielding, producing small berries with incredible flavor concentration and thick, tannin-rich skins. The summer months were notably free of extreme heatwaves, providing the Vecina vineyard with the steady, moderate warmth required to achieve total phenolic maturity without sacrificing acidity. Harvesting occurred under ideal conditions in late September, yielding fruit with remarkable “tension” and energy. The 2021 Vecina is a triumph of the vintage, marrying its traditional Oakville power with a refined, crystalline precision and a vibrant structural core that ensures a legendary life in the cellar.