Melbury

Located on the hillsides of the Napa Valley, the Melbury vineyard is one of the crus of the Bond estate, nestled in the hills east of Rutherford. This hillside terroir, composed of clay-shale soils and decomposed rock, overlooks Lake Hennessey and benefits from sunny exposures and cooler nights. The combined influence of altitude, topography, and breezes from San Pablo Bay allows for a slow and steady maturation of the grapes, giving rise to a Cabernet Sauvignon of great precision.

This wine reveals notes of ripe black fruits, black cherry, and plum, enhanced by floral touches of violet and peony, as well as spicy nuances of licorice, sweet pepper, and clove. Woody accents of cedar, blond tobacco, and vanilla complete the bouquet. On the palate, the texture is ample and silky, supported by firm yet polished tannins, well-integrated freshness, and a long, precise, and persistent finish.

In the United States, 90% of the wine produced comes from California. It was the influx of gold prospectors to California that revitalized the Californian wine industry in the mid-19th century, particularly in the Sonoma and Napa regions. At the beginning of the 20th century, there were 800 wineries. From 1919 to 1933, Prohibition decimated the vast majority of the Californian wine industry, so that by 1933, only 140 wineries remained. It wasn't until 1960 that the wine industry began to recover from Prohibition, and California was primarily known for producing fortified wines (in the style of Port). It was also in the 1960s that some of the most famous wineries were established (Mondavi, Heitz Wine Cellars, Stag's Leap Wine Cellars, etc.). In 1976, a landmark event took place: the legendary tasting competition better known as the "Judgment of Paris." It pitted the greatest French wines against the new American upstarts. On May 24th, an unexpected result shook the wine world, as, to everyone's surprise, the United States emerged victorious. This competition, however, remains relatively unknown to the general public. Today, there is no doubt that the United States produces great wines. While California largely dominates the reputation of American wines with its excellent Zinfandels, the state of Oregon produces some of the best Pinot Noir in the world, and Washington State offers excellent Chardonnay, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon.