Good bright ruby. Reticent but powerful nose hints at dark berries, licorice, mint and bitter chocolate, conveying a strong impression of gravel. Plush on entry, then large-scaled and generous in the middle but with little in the way of easy sweetness. Seems riper than the preceding wines, and more refined too. The very long finish features chocolatey-rich, seamless tannins. A great showing today, but this really needs at least eight years in the cellar.

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BOND's 2009 Proprietary Blend Vecina, from Vine Hill Ranch, is fascinating to taste after the St. Eden. While the St. Eden is round and sensual, the Vecina is all about linear power and structure. Endowed with tremendous length and persistence, the Vecina presents endless layers of dark fruit and expressive aromatics supported by considerable tension and energy. Anticipated maturity: 2019-2034.

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Dark, rich, dry and savory, this muscular effort boasts extracted tannin-laced notes of currant, earth, cedar, mocha and tobacco. Mouthcoating through the finish, where thick tannins gain traction.

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