Neighbor

Located on the western bank of Napa Valley, the Vecina vineyard is part of the Bond estate and extends along the slopes near the iconic To Kalon vineyard, at the foot of the Mayacamas Mountains. This hillside terroir, primarily south-facing, rests on rocky, well-drained soils that promote slow and complete grape ripening. The climate is warm but tempered by cool mountain breezes, offering a distinct day-night contrast. This combination gives the wine great depth, a firm structure, and a particularly precise expression of Cabernet Sauvignon.

Sourced from vines planted on steep slopes in the Napa Valley, this red wine is crafted from hand-harvested grapes, carefully sorted upon reception. Fermentation takes place in stainless steel and/or wooden vats, with precise extraction to preserve the fruit's purity and structure. The wine is aged extensively in mostly new French oak barrels, to refine the tannins and develop a complex aromatic palette while respecting the identity of the Vecina terroir.

This wine reveals notes of ripe blackcurrant, blackberry, and black cherry, complemented by floral touches of violet and peony, as well as spicy nuances of sweet pepper and licorice. Woody accents of cedar, blond tobacco, and vanilla blend with a subtle graphite dimension. The palate is full-bodied and concentrated, supported by firm but refined tannins, well-integrated freshness, and a long, precise, and flavorful 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.