2018 Promontory Proprietary Red

From the Harlan family, one of the most respected names in Napa, Promontory represents a singular vision: to express a completely distinct, previously undeveloped territory on the western edge of Oakville. Discovered in the 1980s but only launched as its own estate in 2008, the vineyard sits on dramatic terrain, far removed from the valley floor and carved by geologic fault lines. The site’s complexity, elevation, and isolation set it apart from anything else in the region, and the team behind Harlan Estate and Bond have spent years unlocking its potential with patient, detail-oriented farming and restrained winemaking. This is not just another Napa label, it’s a project that pushes the boundaries of what’s possible from the region.

Other Reviews....
The 2018 Promontory was tasted as a barrel sample. Deep garnet-purple in color, it slowly unfurls to reveal a vibrant black fruit core of ripe plums, boysenberries and black currants with hints of crushed rocks, bay leaves, lavender, olives and iron ore. Medium to full-bodied, the palate features firm, exquisitely fine-grained tannins and seamless freshness, beautifully framing the intense, crunchy black fruits, finishing long and minerally.
97-100 points
Joe Czerwinski - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

The 2018 Promontory is another riveting wine from the Harlan family and winemaker David Cilli. It has been nothing short of spectacular in two recent tastings. "What is a 100-point wine?" I am often asked. Well, it is a wine that is complete, where nothing sticks out, and where all the elements are in perfect balance. The 2018 Promontory is a great example. A wine of stature and breadth, the 2018 covers every corner of the palate. Beguiling aromatics and precise, sculpted tannins - so hard to achieve in a mountain wine - round things off in style. Dark fruit, gravel, spice, licorice and leather add subtle layers of nuance. Today, the 2018 comes across as a more refined version of the 2016. It is a magnificent wine in every way. Drink 2028-2043.
100 points
Antonio Galloni - Vinous

Violets and blueberries with cloves and pine cones, following through to a medium to full body with tight, seamless tannins, like finely cut diamonds. It’s very closed and reserved at the end. Weightless. Needs plenty of time to open. Unique wine. Better after 2027.
100 points
James Suckling

The 2018 Promontory shows the fresh, elegant, yet still structured style of the vintage nicely. The vibrant cassis and blueberry fruits that define the nose give way to more lead pencil, scorched earth, graphite, and tobacco with air. Very Bordeaux-like aromatically and texturally, it's medium to full-bodied on the palate and has beautiful purity of fruit, substantial yet ripe and polished tannins, flawless balance, and a great finish. It's going to gain depth and richness with 5-7 years of bottle age and should be very long-lived given its freshness, purity, and balance. It's another brilliant wine from this team. Drink after 2026.
98+ points
Jeb Dunnuck

Gorgeous blackcurrant bramble fruit tones on the nose. A hint of plum, juniper, allspice, cinnamon, pepper and violets. Stylish and compelling, a real sense of purity from the first mouthful. So carefully controlled and delivered. Tannins are ample but finely textured and well integrated - this really stands out in the tasting and is a step-up in terms of nuance, complexity and character. Tannins coat the mouth in a powdery chalky minerality while the subtle density and quiet muscular power gives the base and focus. Nothing stands out, you know you're in California which is excellent, but it's not overt or too much. Tastes sophisticated, stylish and overall expensive! A thrilling wine that really shines and is all the more likeable because it's not showing off or shouting too loudly. Liquorice and tar end the wine on a savoury note, suggesting long cellaring and long ageing potential. I love it. A class above. Director Will Harlan, winemaker David Cilli. Drink 2026-2042.
100 points
Georgina Hindle - Decanter