2013 Promontory Napa Valley Bordeaux Blend

“The best wine so far (although I suspect the 2015 may ultimately enter the picture as well) is the nearly perfect 2013 Promontory Estate. It is simply richer and fuller, with greater integration of tannin, and tastes spectacular. With an opaque, dense purple color and notes of graphite, wet rocks, blackberry and blueberry fruit, some charcoal, and again, loads of spice and loamy soil nuances, the wine has great intensity, a full-bodied texture, and finely grained, sweet tannin. This is a stunner and again, accessible, but its best days are probably a good decade away, as this could very well turn out to be a 40- to 50-year wine. This 80-acre estate with 35 acres of vineyards high in the Mayacamas Mountains south of the Harlan Estate is another Cabernet Sauvignon project from Bill Harlan. It is hard to think of anything in Napa Valley as unexplored, pure wilderness, but Promontory Estate qualifies. Drink through 2066. (RP)” (10/2016)

“This has a dense and intense palate with beautifully crafted tannins that frame a full body of fruit and wet earth, spice and dried mushrooms. Undertones of pine needles and cedar. Some truffles, too. Vivid and energetic. New Napa here.” (02/2019)

“The 2013 Promontory is a young, brooding wine. Black cherry, espresso, mocha and licorice fill out the layers. The 2013 has aged impeccably, but it also reflects the more opulent, overt style favored here at the time. (AG)” (05/2024)

“The 2013 was aged half in barriques and half in Stockinger casks, pointing the way to what would become the Promontory maturation. The nose is dense, with blackcurrant and plum aromas and showing considerable opulence that grows with aeration. The skins were thick so this is super concentrated but also has high acidity. In texture it's sleek and tight, fleshy but very structured, displaying a rugged grandeur and a very long peppery finish. (SB)” (06/2020)

“A flash of singed mesquite starts this red off, followed by a lush set of warmed plum, blackberry and fig preserve flavors all coated with a bittersweet chocolate note. A warm earth note underscores the muscular finish. Has more oomph than purity, but this has drive and focus. (JM)” (03/2022)