A great introduction to Bond’s style is the 2001 Matriarch, which Bob Levy calls, “our elegant leftovers.” This is a three-vineyard blend of the juice that was not rich or concentrated enough to be included in the single vineyard bottlings. Beautifully made, with wonderfully sweet notes of smoke, lead pencil shavings, black cherries, and cassis, an opulent texture, impressive concentration, low acidity, and silky tannin, it possesses more up-front charm and accessibility than its bigger siblings. Enjoy it over the next 10-12 years. (Release date 4/05) Tel. 707.944.9445, Fax. 707.944.9554, Email info@bondestates.com