The 2016 Bond Quella hails from a "very good" Californian vintage, characterized by a warm spring, hot summer months, and cooler temperatures in August. Bond is renowned for crafting "grand cru" quality wines from distinct Napa Valley terroirs. Quella, first released in 2006, draws its name from the German word for a pristine source or artesian aquifer, reflecting its unique character. Sourced from a steeply sloped, southwest-facing vineyard with ancient riverbed soils of cobble, rocks, and volcanic ash, Quella is a 100% Cabernet Sauvignon wine. It's notably described as the "least bold expression of Cabernet Sauvignon" among Bond's offerings, presenting a lighter, rounder, and more ethereal quality. This 2016 vintage has received exceptional praise, including a perfect 100-point score from James Suckling. Tasting notes reveal "decadent and opulent aromas of dark fruit and sliced meat," with hints of dried fruit, a full-bodied palate, and firm, silky tannins. Expect a savory, mineral style with notes of blueberries, plums, spice box, herbs de Provence, melted licorice, warm black plums, blueberry preserves, crème de cassis, wild sage, pencil lead, camphor, and Marmite toast. The wine also exhibits fresh bramble fruits, graphite, flintiness, charcoal, and bitter chocolate, culminating in a long, intensely layered, and refreshing finish. This is a wine built for the long haul, requiring 7-8 years of bottle age and capable of cellaring for up to three decades. 🍴 Food Pairing: An exquisite match for beef and venison. Its complexity and acidity also make it suitable for lighter meats like pork or a rich ragu pasta. For a more indulgent pairing, consider vanilla butter roasted beef steak, rosemary roasted lamb chops, or a sophisticated cheese platter featuring Brie and goat cheese. 🥂 Event Fit: A truly special wine for milestone celebrations, high-end corporate events, or as a centerpiece for a serious wine collector's tasting. 【A 100-point James Suckling wine, celebrated for its ethereal levity, agility, and remarkable aging potential, offering a nuanced expression of Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon.】