2011 BOND St. Eden
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Tasting notes
The 2011 St. Eden shows plenty of the size and volume that comes so naturally here. Dark and enveloping in feel, the St. Eden has so much to offer. Dried herbs, leather, tobacco, chocolate and dark-fleshed fruit abound. In its early days, St. Eden was made in a more overt style, even in 2011. Today the approach favors more freshness and overall energy.
Critic scores
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2011 St. Eden is very pretty, if a touch understated and shy. Mint, dark cherry, pine, spice and licorice give the wine its distinctive savory personality. The 2011 is nicely done, and although it is not quite the overachiever some of the other 2011s are today, it does have more depth and overall intrigue than the 2012 in this tasting. I very much like the energy here.
Full, bright medium ruby. Cool aromas of blackberry, cassis, blueberry and licorice. Tightly wound, savory and intense; not sweet or expansive but boasts terrific energy and lift to its salty mineral and pepper flavors. This classically dry, rather uncompromising wine finishes with outstanding subtle length and surprisingly ripe, refined tannins. This wine reminded me a bit of Chateau Latour when I tasted it shortly after the bottling and I can still see that quality today, but the wine is a baby. St. Eden has normally been known for its relatively early accessibility vis-a-vis the other Bond bottlings, but the younger vintages at this tasting did not show that characteristic.
The 2011 St. Eden is especially dark and brooding in this vintage. Inward and tightly wound, the 2011 nevertheless possesses gorgeous mid-palate density and finesse. Graphite, smoke, earthiness, dark cherry and plum notes gradually open up. Hints of sage, tobacco and menthol are all laced into the powerful finish. The 2011 St. Eden is a gem, it just needs time to fully come together.