2018 Bond Pluribus

BOND's Cabernet Sauvignon wines, sourced from select hillside estates, vividly showcase the range of Napa Valley's finest terroirs. From the more than eighty vineyards they have worked with over the past quarter of a century, five locations have been slowly and vigilantly selected to produce only the best expressions in the country, and these are now among the absolute 'Grand Crus' of Napa Valley. The Bond wines excel in beauty and aging potential. The small hilltop Cabernet vineyards, ranging in size from 7 to 11 hectares, are the basis for BOND's iconic wines. The very limited quantity and the fact that about 85% of the wines remain within America makes these wines extremely scarce in Europe. The owner of Bond is the equally iconic winery Harlan Estate - say the Mouton Rothschild of Napa Valley (Grandcruwijnen is also an importer of this)

The 5 Crus of Bond are the

• MELBURY
• QUELLA
• ST. EDEN
• VECINA
• PLURIBUS

The wines always receive between 97-100 points annually from Parker, Suckling and Wine Spectator. Bond always releases these wines in small editions, but about 50% is only offered in an assortment box - the so-called Terroir box. This contains all 5 crus in a beautiful box and this box is a collector's item for every wine lover. Click here for the detailed map of the 5 crus and more background.

Grandcruwijnen is the Dutch importer of these iconic Bond wines and supplies the wine directly from Bond winery, so no parallel obscure imports. The Bond bottles are all secured with an identification number and you can check this with a verification system so that you know for sure that you are dealing with a real Bond (there are more fakes than real Bond and Harlan on the market) and therefore also with a bottle who has not roamed the whole world in dubious circumstances. Click here to identify the bottle, because with us you can always be sure that wines come from the winery and are genuine.

The labels of the 5 Bond wines are certainly special. In the spirit of innovation and continuous improvement, we have brought 19th century banknote identifications into the 21st century to improve the look of labels while adding extra layers to our security features. Using improved gravure technology (steel-engraved), we have applied intricate details and improved the tactility of the surfaces. People still use age-old mail ink formulations to give each cru its signature color and have enlarged the guilloche on the bottom of the label. This colorful disk, consisting of classic geometric turning, contains an algorithmic interference pattern that creates a "latent image". If you tilt the bottle and look over the surface of the label, the letter "B" will become visible, invisible to the eye if you look straight at it.

When developing the labels for the wines, they thought long and hard about how best to graphically convey everything that they wanted the domain to stand for: superior attention to detail, ultimate quality and timeless authenticity, thus trying to capture the culture of to capture the family business, the character of the vineyards and the relationship between product and customer in one image - all within the scarce space that a wine bottle offers with hget design focusing on vintage postage stamps and banknotes, both of which represented the assigned value and artistic were in nature. There was a strong appeal to the idea that the engraving and gravure printing of banknotes had been specially developed to meet the highest standards and to protect against the threat of counterfeiters. After much study and research, we were introduced to the American Bank Note Company, a company dating back to the earliest days of our nation that printed American currency and stamps right up to the time of the Civil War. In the end, we were given the rare privilege of searching their extensive archives.

The name BOND is a family surname of Mr. Harlan's mother. Moreover, it also represented the common bond, or alliance, to produce the best expression of the land. Finally, given the investment in banknote imagery and security awareness, one couldn't resist making the wine label after that most classic financial debt instrument - a 19th century bond certificate.

Napa Valley, nestled in the heart of California, stands as a viticultural gem renowned for its rich history, diverse terroir, and world-class wines. Dating back to the late 18th century, Catholic missions in the region were mandated to produce wine for sacramental use, marking the inception of grape cultivation in California. However, early grape growers and winemakers in California faced challenges, and it took time for the region to earn global recognition.

More information about Napa Valley

The turning point came in 1976 when Chateau Montelena and Stag's Leap Wine Cellars from Napa Valley outshone renowned Bordeaux wines at the historic Paris Wine Tasting. This event signaled a shift in perception, boosting respect for California wines, especially those hailing from Napa Valley.

Situated between two mountain ridges converging from south to north, Napa Valley's geography is as breathtaking as it is conducive to winemaking. The narrow eight-kilometer-wide valley is shaped by the Mayacamas Mountains to the west and the Vaca Range to the east, meeting at Calistoga. The Napa River flows through, splitting the two mountain ridges and giving birth to the renowned Napa Valley.

While Napa Valley represents just 5% of annual U.S. wine production, its global reputation is unparalleled. It was not the first American Viticultural Area (AVA), but it holds a special place as a premier wine region. Located in central California, north of San Pablo Bay, the valley boasts a highly variable climate and an abundance of microclimates due to its narrowness and mountainous surroundings.

The unpredictability of Napa Valley wines, unless familiar with the winery, is attributed to its diverse geology. The valley floor consists of marine sediments, volcanic rock, river deposits, silt, limestone, and sandstone, creating a patchwork of soils. From the volcanic soils in the north ideal for Cabernet to calcareous soils in the south perfect for Pinot Noir, the variety of soils and climates foster a dynamic viticultural environment.

With investments pouring in from prominent wine companies, Napa Valley continues to evolve, solidifying its position as a global wine powerhouse, offering a spectrum of wines that showcase the region's diversity, innovation, and unwavering commitment to quality winemaking.

What about Napa valley's subregions?

Napa Valley, renowned as a viticultural paradise, unfolds its vinous tapestry through a collection of distinctive subregions, each contributing unique characteristics to the valley's diverse and celebrated wines. From the rugged terrains of Howell Mountain to the sun-kissed slopes of Atlas Peak, Napa Valley's subregions are a testament to the region's winemaking prowess.

Howell Mountain: Nestled in the northeast, Howell Mountain stands tall as a premier subregion known for its elevated vineyards. The mountainous terrain, with elevations reaching over 1,400 feet, provides a cooler climate, resulting in wines with robust structure and intense flavors. Howell Mountain is celebrated for producing exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Viognier, and Zinfandel.

Calistoga: At the northern tip of Napa Valley lies Calistoga, renowned for its warm temperatures and diverse soils. Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Petite Sirah, and Zinfandel thrive in this subregion. Calistoga's unique terroir imparts a distinct character to its wines, characterized by boldness and depth.

Diamond Mountain District: Known for its volcanic soils and elevated vineyards, Diamond Mountain District is home to some of Napa Valley's most esteemed Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. The wines from this subregion are recognized for their elegance, structure, and age-worthiness.

Spring Mountain District: Perched on the western side of Napa Valley, Spring Mountain District boasts a diverse mix of grape varieties, including Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, and Zinfandel. The elevation and varied microclimates contribute to wines of complexity and balance.

St. Helena: At the heart of Napa Valley, St. Helena is a historic subregion that thrives on the cultivation of Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Viognier, and Zinfandel. St. Helena's wines often showcase a harmonious blend of power and finesse.

Rutherford: Rutherford, with its iconic dusty terroir, is synonymous with some of Napa Valley's most celebrated Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Zinfandel. The well-drained soils and warm climate contribute to wines known for their structure and longevity.

Oakville: Situated between Rutherford and Yountville, Oakville is recognized for its exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Sauvignon Blanc. The subregion's gravelly soils and optimal climate create wines of finesse and concentration.

Atlas Peak: The elevated slopes of Atlas Peak, on the eastern side of Napa Valley, are dedicated to growing Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay. The cooler temperatures and volcanic soils contribute to wines with vibrant acidity and expressive flavors.

Stag's Leap District: Stag's Leap District, known for its dramatic palisades, specializes in Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, Sangiovese, and Sauvignon Blanc. The unique climate and soil combination result in wines recognized for their elegance and finesse.

Yountville: South of St. Helena, Yountville is celebrated for its Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. The subregion's climate, influenced by its proximity to the San Pablo Bay, lends itself to wines with a balanced and approachable style.

Mount Veeder: Perched on the southwestern side, Mount Veeder produces outstanding Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, and Zinfandel. The mountainous terrain and volcanic soils contribute to wines of depth and concentration.

Oak Knoll District: Known for its moderate climate, Oak Knoll District produces a diverse array of wines, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, Riesling, and Sauvignon Blanc. The balanced conditions create wines that showcase both elegance and structure.

Coombsville: In the southeastern part of Napa Valley, Coombsville is dedicated to Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, Pinot Noir, and Syrah. The region's cool evenings and volcanic soils contribute to wines with complexity and finesse.

Wild Horse: Focused on Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir, Wild Horse is a subregion that reflects the diversity of Napa Valley's terroir. The wines are known for their expressive fruit character and vibrant acidity.

Each subregion within Napa Valley tells a unique story through its wines, reflecting the interplay of soil, climate, and human expertise. Collectively, they contribute to the rich mosaic that has firmly established Napa Valley as one of the world's premier winegrowing regions.