Community Tasting Note

• Cristal2000 Likes this wine: 98 points

  February 13, 2022 - Had a Super Bowl face off between 2016 Bond Vecina v 2016 VHR. As many probably know, they are both from the Vine Hill Ranch vineyard. Bond has leased blocks from VHR for a long time right at the base of the mountain, in a prime location. Both wines achieved 100pt ratings from prominent critics, but the Bond is over twice the price of VHR. I set out to see whether I am just throwing dollars down the drain buying the Bond.
  
  Doubled decanted both about 5 hours before consumption. Cutting right to the chase, these are VERY different wines, despite being sourced from the same general vineyard. The Bond is more concentrated, displays bluer fruit, is not as well integrated, has bigger tannins, sharper edges and overall shows the most potential. If you're drinking one today, you'd want the VHR; in 5+ years, I'd take the Bond.
  
  Nose of black cherries, blackberries, asian spices, forest floor and dank earth. Very firm with big time tannins, it shows fantastic purity and freshness, with lively acidity and big time cut. Anything but fruit forward, the Vecina shows amazing levels of minerality and earthy notions to complement concentrated blue fruit, along with a nice crushed rock component. The strong tannins make this clamp down tight as it transitions from mid palate to the finish, with a somewhat astringent end. However, the finish is epically long. Good now but better in 5 years.
  
  The value proposition is always hard at $500+ dollars a bottle. But as many have noted, if you're drinking wine at this level price is usually not a barrier. This is a great wine.

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38 Comments

• MJP Hou TX commented:

  2/14/22, 7:29 AM - Well now I'm very intrigued. I don't believe I've had a Vecina to date or at least that I recall. I've very curious to the 19 A&B Vine Hill that you scored very high. With the 19 VHR release tomorrow I'm looking for some notes on that wine too (besides AG)
  
  I'm a big fan of 16 VHR yet I haven't found it to be a pleasing as it was at release.

• wren460 commented:

  2/14/22, 9:07 AM - MJP, going ful on VHR tomorrow, I am going all in since we will not have any 2020 :(

• MJP Hou TX commented:

  2/14/22, 9:13 AM - Wren, I'm sure that is the plan for a lot of us. I wish we had some peer reviews on this wine as it sounds to be very different from years past. This might be the most hedonistic VHR to date based on the notes below.
  
  Also note there will be a 19 Extended Age.
  
  AG notes...
  
  Just bottled, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon tastes like a barrel sample, such is its purity of fruit and lushness! It is the most overt, opulent young wine I have ever tasted here, and likely to require a number of years in bottle for some of the baby fat to melt away. Pliant and supple, with soft contours and tons of fruit, the 2019 is simply magnificent. I imagine the more savory, earthy notes that are so typical of VHR will develop in time. Even today, though, the 2019 is outrageously beautiful.

• I'd Rather Be Drinking Wine commented:

  2/14/22, 4:14 PM - If you have a chance to visit Bond (or any of the Harlan properties), they are all in close proximity to each other with beautiful views! I liked Bond's tasting because they provided us with all 5 of their top wines so you could compare them to each other....obviously all sourced from different areas and soils, they all taste unique. It was a very awesome tasting!
  
  Re: VHR, I was hoping Bruce did an extended aged (and I hope I get offered an allocation!) Of course, I will be happy with whatever he offers! Still one of the best values in Napa, IMO!

• Cristal2000 commented:

  2/14/22, 7:22 PM - You should have no problem getting the regular VHR. He makes a lot of it, and it goes widely to distribution at release price and often times less. The extended age obviously is harder to find.
  
  In general, I think that's Bruce's biggest issue with a direct list - why do you need to buy it from him when he distributes it all around and you can just pick it up at the local store? And it is also bothersome when you find it cheaper there after paying list price. Not to mention that he sells it for 35% off plus to all those distributors...but don't get me started. Lol :)

• wren460 commented:

  2/14/22, 7:31 PM - I am not sure about lower price you are refering to. I bought directly from him at $250 a bottle + tax + shipping and it came for $290 a bottle. On wine searcher it shows on many places at $278 per bottle ex-tax. Now I have to buy from him because there are many stores that do not send to my state and my local wine shops do not carry it. I think that overall maybe I am paying $15 or so above of what some might get it but for a $280 bottle of wine it becomes no issue

• Cristal2000 commented:

  2/14/22, 7:42 PM - Wren460: That is a recent development, and it's also because the 2016 was such a highly acclaimed vintage. Even right now, you can get the 2015 for $199 and 2017 for $179 (in CA no less), but many were even less not long ago. That is actually how I picked up some 14 and 15 a while back.
  
  Inflation is hitting everything of course, but I have always seen these wines at release price, and many times under. I'd guess 50% goes to distribution, and I'm sure Bruce tells them to keep it all at least at release price, but often times the economics of it won't allow compliance. Now if the wine is getting 100's all over the place, sure, perhaps it'll be at par or even rise over the years. But in other less fabulous vintages, I am sure you'll see it for less.

• wren460 commented:

  2/14/22, 7:54 PM - Cristal2000 : my problem is that in Texas the shipping laws are terrible and I am unable to get many wines I like unless I order them directly by the winery. I have 2016´s and 2018´s and now I am looking to buy some of the 19´s that seem are even more my style of wine. Let´s see how it turns out tomorrow, maybe pricing went up and I will have to make a hard pass. I am not willing to spend upwards or $300 per bottle

• Cristal2000 commented:

  2/14/22, 8:00 PM - Yeah, that's understandable. In your situation I understand why you would buy direct. And to be honest, I will probably grab at least a 3-pk tomorrow so long as the price doesn't go up. It's a good vintage and I always like to make sure I have some before tasting and then possibly getting more.
  
  Man I hope after raising the price on the 2018 release it doesn't happen again in 2019. I would think just due to how much wine he makes, Bruce wouldn't do that...but not having a 2020 to sell could definitely influence things. I still can't really believe I bought the 18 Extended Age for $300 - guess was just curious.

• MJP Hou TX commented:

  2/15/22, 4:39 AM - Gents, release price of 19 will be $250.00. Wren, being that you’re in Texas I know the “pain” of paying tax plus shipping etc. What part of Texas are you in?

• wren460 commented:

  2/15/22, 5:45 AM - Hello MJP, thanks for the update on the price of VHR 19...definitely interested. I am actually not from Texas, I am from the other side of the fence, I am from Monterrey Mexico. I have my wines shipped to McAllen Texas and then I drive and pick them up there. I cannot have the wines shipped to Mexico so it is a real hazzle for me. Maybe someday we could meet in Houston, I travel there quite often ( pre pandemic) and LOVE Vic and Anthonies and Del Friscos over the Galleria...yummy

• MJP Hou TX commented:

  2/15/22, 7:07 AM - Wren, I'm surprised you didn't mention Pappas. If you haven't been that's a good one to visit as well. Let me know when you're going to back in the H.

• wren460 commented:

  2/15/22, 8:34 AM - How did I forgot abou Pappas Bros in Westheimer ??? That place is #1 definitelly. I also really like Vic and Anthonies in downtown, their bone marrow and honey bacon was to die for.

• wren460 commented:

  2/15/22, 9:03 AM - MJP, just looked at my allocation and it says 2018 VH ! Is that a typo ?

• MJP Hou TX commented:

  2/15/22, 9:17 AM - Yes, I'm told it's fixed.

• I'd Rather Be Drinking Wine commented:

  2/15/22, 3:31 PM - Wow....totally perplexed.....went in to place more order, and (1) no extended age, and (2) His site says they don't ship to Minnesota, but when I visited he said he could ship there and when I wrote him to ask for some extended age he sold a couple bottles to me and has shipping there (all wines expected to ship in Spring)....but the site won't even let me order my allocation unless I store in CA, which means paying shipping and tax......I wrote him already, but I am sure he is getting flooded with e-mails.....Oh well....hope he gets my e-mail and we can resolve the issue! He still has my 14s and 18s there!

• MJP Hou TX commented:

  2/16/22, 4:54 AM - Interesting that he held some Extended age back as that was release late last year. As for shipping to MN had some recent laws changed?
  
  I loaded up on 19. I'm looking forward to taking a break in buying after the release of 19 LF and Extended age in the fall.

• I'd Rather Be Drinking Wine commented:

  2/16/22, 7:31 AM - He was kind enough to sell me a 3 pack from his personal cellar

• I'd Rather Be Drinking Wine commented:

  2/16/22, 8:23 AM - I am planning on taking a HUGE break from buying after the 19's.....I still have a few cases of wine I purchased on futures (Bordeaux) or in Napa when visiting in December that have not been delivered yet, and I am already out of room in my cellar.....plus, I have more than I can possibly drink! Like Mark, I am not getting any younger!

• MJP Hou TX commented:

  2/16/22, 11:20 AM - Bruce is good about holding some back vintages. You must have made an impression. I was lucky to purchase 08-11 through Bruce due to his foresight and relationship we've formed.

• I'd Rather Be Drinking Wine commented:

  2/16/22, 12:48 PM - He likes you!

• Cristal2000 commented:

  2/16/22, 7:08 PM - I'm glad you all are as deluded as I am regarding "cutting back" on wine buying. :) Us crack...I mean wine addicts will ALWAYS find something to buy. Napa's having a down year? But look over here, I am really into champagne, or burgundy or Bordeaux....it's a nasty habit. I thought I was going to really be good, and I can already see I am not. Ugh...wine...

• I'd Rather Be Drinking Wine commented:

  2/16/22, 10:25 PM - Yeah....I am going to blame you Cristal! You, my friend, are a bad influence!!

• MJP Hou TX commented:

  2/17/22, 4:37 AM - I’m delusional when it comes to buying. I’m buying less across the board while then at the same time buying more bottles of wines like VHR, Kinsman, Abreu and VCC etc… plus looking for back vintages on secondary markets. I’ve heard admitting it is the first step…

• I'd Rather Be Drinking Wine commented:

  2/18/22, 5:24 AM - I a m not there yet....still playing the "blame" game!

• Cristal2000 commented:

  2/18/22, 10:44 AM - I'm sure all us addicts are at different phases of acceptance. I am happy to take the blame for you IRBDW. I am not sure if you're married, but I can imagine you telling your spouse "it's ALL Cristal2000's fault!" and where that would get you...:)

• MJP Hou TX commented:

  2/18/22, 12:06 PM - I can just hear the response! Who the hell is Cristal 2000? Is that her stage name!?

• I'd Rather Be Drinking Wine commented:

  2/18/22, 8:34 PM - Are you kidding?! That's for my own benefit....LOL....I would never say that to my wife! I tell her I am done buying wine....and she replies "uh huh....."

• Cristal2000 commented:

  2/19/22, 7:35 AM - I'm done buying wine at least twice a year. Doesn't seem to stick...

• I'd Rather Be Drinking Wine commented:

  2/19/22, 10:19 AM - I understand.....I still have about 14 cases pending....and every delivery I will hear "I thought you were done buying wine"

• I'd Rather Be Drinking Wine commented:

  4/19/23, 7:15 PM - Gentlemen, I sent my niece down to my cellar and told her to pick out a wine....THIS is what she brought back! I told her "Sorry, this needs more time!" LOL....so she went back down and brought up a 14 VHR! Ironically, she has no idea both wines are VHR wines! Anyway, she loved the VHR (and she wasn't alone!) It's in a great spot now, but did constantly change and improve for the 2 1/2 hours it took us to finish it!
  
  Moral of the story...similar to what Cristal said....VHR now, Bond later!
  On a side note, as most of you know, I quit buying wine.....again! Anyway, I was trying to evaluate my situation, and this month, so far, I have consumed more wine than I typically do, which is 18 bottles and counting....however, I have already received more than 4 cases....not a good thing! My cellar keeps growing despite my lack of room!

• Cristal2000 commented:

  4/19/23, 8:29 PM - Man, you didn't let her open the Bond?!?! Finders keepers my friend. Lol.

• I'd Rather Be Drinking Wine commented:

  4/20/23, 9:21 AM - LOL....thought it is still way too young! Think I should pop one open now?

• Cristal2000 commented:

  4/20/23, 2:58 PM - I mean not PnP, but hey, if you tell your niece to pick something you deal with the consequence! Lol.

• I'd Rather Be Drinking Wine commented:

  4/20/23, 3:44 PM - Normally, I would....but she picked it because she thought it was a cool label, not because she thought it would be a cool wine to try! FYI....her birth year is 1994, and I have quite a few 1994 wines, and she specifically said she wanted something younger! Also, FWIW, her go to wines ate Quintessa and Paul Hobbs Vino Cobos Cobos (Malbec)....so she likes em fruit forward!

• I'd Rather Be Drinking Wine commented:

  4/20/23, 3:52 PM - Also, and maybe I am just peculiar (actually, I know I am!), but I just can't enjoy wine if I know I have no chance of getting some value out of it....I mean don't get me wrong, I need to like (preferably, love) a wine, but I also need to feel that getting my money's worth, at least to some degree. Hence, I rarely open young, pricey bottles because I always feel I can get close to the same experience for less, and I rarely buy wine in a restaurant because I know I won't enjoy it knowing I way overpaid! Of course, I have done both, and don't mind either if I see someone else getting immense enjoyment from the wine! Hence, I have one niece who loves Caymus SS, so I will pay for that when I take her to a restaurant (especially because I rarely see her - she lives in Australia) and I will open young Quintessa and Cobos for her twin sister (she lives in Miami). So there are obvious exceptions! In addition, when I get visitors who want to try something, I will oblige.

• Cristal2000 commented:

  4/20/23, 6:47 PM - It's kind of funny that we tend to think age allows us to get the value out of wine. Sometimes, especially in Napa, those thoughts can betray us. I've had plenty of over the hill or just plain dead wines at age 12-15 from Napa. I also personally tend to like the energy and concentration of younger wines, so for me more age doesn't always mean better. That said, often times it does in the early years. A lot depends on your preference. It's also harder to pop a bottle knowing it costs $750 than other wines that are seemingly more disposable, at least in my case.

• I'd Rather Be Drinking Wine commented:

  4/20/23, 7:14 PM - I totally understand....I always fear waiting too long...and for me and my palate, I like that short window where fruit and tertiary flavors are both showing well...I also think it is better to error on the side of fruit, i.e., younger. However, having said that, the sheer amount of wine makes that almost impossible, plus my limited knowledge of when a producer and vintage show best, it is a minefield! All you can do is hope the bottle shows well when you do finally open it! I am pretty fortunate that my palate is pretty broad too, in the sense that I appreciate older wines, even if they are not totally in my wheelhouse. I do worry that many of Napa cabs will not hold up, and have started drinking up my Carter and the few Bevan wines I have. 2016 Carter is actually drinking quite nicely! Of course, with any Harlan wine (including Vecina) I am not worried about aging, as they may outlive me!

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