No one was surprised when one of the most historic vintners in Napa Valley, Bill Harlan, launched a new winery in 2009. When he discovered a unique piece of property in the mid-1980s in between Oakville and Yountville, Harlan became mesmerized with this isolated location and knew it would eventually become Promontory.
By 2010, Harlan purchased just under 900 acres of land as part of his ‘200 year plan.’ Taking points from some of Europe’s most successful long running wine families, the Harlans were inspired to create several unique experiences at their wineries and to pass on leadership and wisdom to future generations within the family. With that being said Bill’s son, Will Harlan, is the Estate Director for Promontory and oversees everything from farming methods to hospitality in the tasting room. These wines reflect the uncompromising quality of Napa Valley established through tradition and a revolution of an entire family’s philosophy.
100 Points James Suckling
This is incredibly complex and complete with white and black-truffle aromas, as well as wet earth and blackcurrants. Then, it changes to tobacco, cedar and wild forest fruit. Dazzling complexity in both the nose and palate. Full-bodied, yet tight and harmonious. The tannins melt into the wine. Drinkable now, but one for the cellar. This estate could one day rival Harlan, which shares its ownership.
97 Points Robert Parker Wine Advocate
The 2012 Promontory, which is the softest vintage to date, was slightly better this year than last year, as it had rounded out. It does not have the depth of the 2013, but it is a great wine on its own merits. Notes of new saddle leather, loamy soil, and crushed rock intermingle with blackcurrants, plum, tobacco leaf and spice in a full-bodied, wonderfully pure and large-scaled style with ripe, well-integrated tannin. It is accessible enough to enjoy, and in spite of its massiveness, it is certainly capable of evolving beautifully for 30 or more years.