Bond Vecina Napa Red Wine 2021

Bond Vecina Napa Red Wine 2021

In a bit of a surprise, Vecina—historically among the last of the five crus to be harvested—was the earliest site to complete its annual cycle. Harvest began on August 30th, and the last berries arrived at the winery on September 10th.

Despite the earlier picking, this vintage displays the site’s impassive strength. Ink-dark and redolent of ripe blackberry and a touch of iodine, the imposingly structured wine ascends acutely on the palate and, cresting, descends like a waterfall to pool within cool, profound depths. Gravitas surrenders on the languorous finish to widening, concentric circles of stoic calm.

Critical Acclaim

99 James Suckling

Blackcurrants and blackberries with tree and bark aromas. Turns to graphite. Full-bodied with creamy, round tannins, but it’s very tight and compressed, giving a fine velvety texture to it. A persistent and thoughtful young wine. Drink after 2028.

97 Vinous

The 2021 Vecina turned out beautifully. It opens with a blast of dark fruit, bay leaf, sage, leather and menthol. This super-classic, bruising, old-school-inspired Cabernet Sauvignon needs a number of years to be at its best. In this tasting, the Vecina exudes notable vertical intensity and plenty of tannic heft. It a gorgeous wine from Vine Hill Ranch, one of the most distinguished vineyards in Oakville and all of Napa Valley, for that matter.

96 Jeb Dunnuck

As always, the 2021 Vecina offers a darker style in its red and black fruits as well as classy notes of graphite, violets, and scorched earth-like minerality. It's medium to full-bodied, has remarkable purity, ultra-fine tannins, and a great finish. Hide bottles for 4-5 years if you can, and it's going to drink well over the following two decades.