2016 Bond (Harlan) ‘Pluribus’ Red Blend

WA99 Pluribus vineyard is situated on Spring Mountain, producing a sometimes broody wine in its youth with tons of latent power and energy waiting to erupt. Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2016 Pluribus is a little closed and youthfully mute to begin, slowly unfurling to offer glimpses at baked plums, crushed blackcurrants, boysenberries and redcurrant jelly plus suggestions of charcoal, black olives, Sichuan pepper and bay leaves with a waft of pain grille. Full-bodied, it has a rock-solid frame of very firm, ripe, grainy tannins and bold freshness supporting the muscular black fruit and savory accents, finishing with phenomenal length and loads of earthy layers.
Estate Notes: Budbreak began in late March. Bloom followed in sync, yet veraison came much later than normal. This delay helped the site to weather the heat spells in August, and as cool fog approached, the grapes were in pristine condition for harvest in the last third of September.
The Pluribus location on the mid slopes of Spring Mountain provides a unique lens through which to view the vintage. The nose of the 2016 is dark, with hints of spice and earth. An immediate energy electrifies the palate, as the wine’s many layers surface in staccato. This sensation ultimately expands and then softens, extending for a seamless and persistent finish.