2008 BOND Melbury

The 2008 Melbury speaks in soft, hushed tones. All the signatures of this site are in place, but the 2008 is a quiet wine. In the context of this complete vertical, the 2008 feels like walking into a library. Understated and fresh, the 2008 has plenty of life ahead. It will be interesting to see if it emerges from its shell one day. Hints of truffle, leather and spice add the closing shades of nuance. I don't expect the 2008 to be as long lived as some of the other vintages in this lineup, but it is quite distinctive today. (AG)

Bright red-ruby. Restrained, cooler scents of black cherry, minerals, sage and licorice. Then surprisingly supple and pliant but a bit medicinal and hiding its fruit complexity today. Nicely delineated wine with a mineral firmness but also a hint of green acidity. The serious tannins reveal a slight dry edge. A distinct step down from the 2009 in texture and structure: will this wine really blossom in bottle?

The 2008 Melbury flows across the palate with layers of dark sensual fruit, spices, licorice, leather and tobacco. Clean veins of minerality frame the fruit beautifully through to the finish. Floral notes add an element of brightness on the close.