For readers looking to experience the style of the Bond releases at a slightly less painful price, the 2015 Matriarch is a good option, and in 2015 it’s not far from the single vineyard releases. Offering a Melbury-like sensation of graphite, with plenty of lead pencil, violets, and red and black fruits, this beauty is full-bodied, opulent, and loaded with the sweet fruit that makes 2015 such a compelling vintage. Drink this any time over the coming 15+ years.

This is layered and chewy with very beautiful fruit of crushed blackberries and blueberries, as well as hints of cedar. Full body, chewy tannins and a flavorful finish. Linear and pretty.

Intense, with black currant, fig and blackberry fruit coiled up at the core, held in check for now by tobacco leaf, sage, warm brick and roasted juniper notes. Shows serious cut and drive through the finish. Will be a winner when the fruit expands and melds with the earth and herb elements after some cellaring. Best from 2021 through 2035.

The 2015 Matriarch is an absolutely gorgeous second wine from BOND that benefits from the diversity of fruit sources that go into the blend. That is quite obvious when comparing Matriarch to The Maiden, the second wine of Harlan Estate, which draws from a more narrow set of parcels. Ripe red and purplish berry fruit, blood orange, mint and floral notes all grace this exquisitely silky, captivating wine from BOND. The 2015 Matriarch is just gorgeous.

The 2015 The Matriarch Proprietary Red Blend, bottled in early 2018, is medium to deep garnet-purple in color and simply sings of crushed blackberries, black raspberries and warm black cherries with nuances of chocolate box, aniseed, cinnamon toast and lilacs. The full-bodied palate is rich, concentrated and lively with fine-grained tannins, finishing long.