Ratings & Tasting Notes:
99 points James Suckling
Insane aromas of lavender, blackberries, wet earth and ripe yet fresh fruit. Full body with very deep fruit, pine needles and hints of chocolate and cedar. Very long and wonderfully polished. This has wonderful depth and focus.
98 points Jeb Dunnuck
Review Date: 01/2021
I was lucky enough to be able to taste a small vertical for this report. Starting with the 2015 Estate, this is still youthful and unevolved, but wow, it’s nevertheless a brilliant wine. Gorgeous notes of currants, mulberries, and black cherry fruits as well as lots of tapenade and leafy herb notes define the bouquet, and it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, sweet, polished tannins, and a great finish. It can be enjoyed today but won’t hit prime time for another 3-4 years. It should evolve for decades.
98 points Wine Advocate
Review Date: 01/2021
Deep garnet-purple in color, it has sprung to life since I last tasted it, prancing out of the glass with showy red currant jelly, black cherry compote and warm cassis notes plus hints of cinnamon toast, wilted roses, unsmoked cigars and fragrant earth. Full-bodied, the palate is rich and impactful, featuring layer upon layer of red and black fruits with loads of mineral sparks. The structure is rock-solid with firm, rugged tannins that are beginning to come into line with the flamboyant fruit, finishing with great length and a lively lift. (LPB)
97 points Decanter
Review Date: 07/2021
Bright crimson. Young, soaked tea leaves on the nose. Lively and floral. Sweet and polished tannins. Dry finish and very appetising. Tight finish. Wonderfully fresh, despite the drought.
97 points Vinous
Review Date: 01/2021
Usually an exotic wine, the 2015 Promontory comes across as much more laid back today. Time seems to be bringing out more freshness, aromatic lift and brightness in its fruit, which I don’t really know how to explain given the intense heat of the year. It will be interesting to see where the 2015 goes from here. Today, it certainly appears to have a very bright future, although it does appear to be going through some sort of transitional phase. (AG) 97+
Cult Wines International Notes:
Unveiling Promontory: A Harlan Legacy
Bill Harlan, a legendary name in Napa Valley, has once again pushed the boundaries of winemaking with his latest creation, Promontory. This remarkable estate, nestled in the dramatic Oakville Mountains, is a story of discovery, passion, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.
The journey began with Bill Harlan’s early explorations of the Oakville ridge, where he encountered an awe-inspiring, yet untamed landscape. Decades later, the second generation of the Harlan family embarked on a mission to unlock the potential of this hidden gem.
Spanning 500 feet of elevation, the Promontory estate boasts a diverse topography, shaped by a unique geological convergence. This interplay of volcanic, sedimentary, and metamorphic soils has created a captivating microclimate, ideal for cultivating exceptional grapes.
A Wine of Power and Mystery
Less than ten percent of the land is dedicated to vineyards, seamlessly integrated into the surrounding wilderness. Morning fog and cool breezes from the western slopes create a unique microclimate, contributing to the distinctive character of the wines.
Promontory Penultimate, a sibling to the estate’s flagship wine, reflects the power and mystery of its terroir. Each vintage is a masterpiece, offering immediate enjoyment while promising even greater complexity with further aging.
Each bottle of Promontory embodies the untamed beauty of Napa Valley, reflecting Bill Harlan’s enduring spirit and the captivating story of this remarkable estate. This is a wine that invites you to explore the unknown, savoring each sip and becoming part of its extraordinary legacy.
Bottle Size:
750 mL
Storage History:
Always stored on it’s side in a climate controlled cellar.
Condition:
Tissue wrap has some imperfections, but otherwise perfect.
