2002 Bond "Matriarch" Napa Valley Bordeaux Blend

“This is the second label of Bond, a blend of various vineyards. As such, it’s one of the best buys in the Harlan stable, retaining the lyrical balance of all its wines. Superrich in chocolate and cassis flavors, the wine is distinguished and refined despite its size. Hard to exaggerate the richness and beauty of this classic claret.” (09/2006)

“Wonderful aromatics, with rich cassis, kirsch and blackberry. Both intense and concentrated, this shows a suppleness at midpalate that lets the flavors glide across the finish. It ends with excellent structure and a touch of cedar. (JL)” (11/2005)

“Dark plum, truffle and buttery oak on the nose. Suave and fine-grained, with enticing flavors of plum and black raspberry. A plump, sexy wine with a long, slow-building finish featuring very fine tannins. This shows a firmer structure than the very good 2001. In fact, this seems more refined, as well as more of a real wine rather than simply a blend made up of declassified fruit, than previous vintages of The Matriarch. (ST)” (05/2005)

“Bob Levy refers to the Matriarch Proprietary Red as 'our elegant leftovers,' a four-vineyard blend of juice that did not make the cut for the top wines. Nevertheless, it is a beautiful effort. Sweet black cherry and cedarwood aromas emerge from the medium-bodied 2002 Matriarch Proprietary Red. Restaurants as well as consumers who are incapable of deferring their gratification should buy this one by the case. (RP)” (12/2005)