x
  • Country ranking ?

    160
  • Producer ranking ?

    9
  • Decanting time

    2h
  • When to drink

    now to 2040
  • Food Pairing

    Skirt Steak with Pomegranate Sauce

The Tb points given to this wine are the world’s most valid and most up-to-date evaluation of the quality of the wine. Tastingbook points are formed by the Tastingbook algorithm which takes into account the wine ratings of the world's best-known professional wine critics, wine ratings by thousands of tastingbook’s professionals and users, the generally recognised vintage quality and reputation of the vineyard and winery. Wine needs at least five professional ratings to get the Tb score. Tastingbook.com is the world's largest wine information service which is an unbiased, non-commercial and free for everyone.

Close

A rich garnet color and youthful brilliance define the appearance in glass. As is typical with the youthful wines of Promontory, the nose is subtle yet intricate. Several minutes after pouring, the different facets begin to emerge. Though one might discern distinct aromas of wet stone, cassis, and hints of resin, the nose seems to more appropriately transport one to the place itself. There is a feeling of moist fog, bringing both humidity and the scents of the native landscape, while projecting in the mind’s eye a vision of sunlight without heat. On the palate, this vintage is decidedly forward.

The acidity is forthcoming on entry and balanced by the sheer muscle and density of fruit. The tannins have a chiseled definition, but remain soft and pliant, delivering a long and persistent finish. While the 2012 reveals its precocious virtues, it is unable to hide the underlying truth that patience will provide great reward.

 

Close

The Story

Wines from hillsides of Promontory reflect the many aspects of the territory: the native forests, the moisture of the ephemeral fog, and the minerality of the geologic underpinnings. These disparate facets in symphony provide a natural balance of freshness, energy, and tannin. We believe these traits, in wine, are the building blocks of great vitality and long life.

In an unmarked territory, concealed in the southwestern hills bordering Oakville, lies PROMONTORY - remote, raw, and replete with uncharted potential.

The quiet quest of a quarter century, the lands of Promontory manifest the hallmarks of an unparalleled winegrowing estate, diversity of soil, elevation, exposition and climate, all within a single and dramatic expanse.

Close

Wine Information

Budbreak on April 18th marked the beginning of an idyllic growing season. The weather was warm throughout the year, but without spells of extreme heat. While most of Napa Valley experienced an earlier harvest, the cooler climate of the territory provided a much more typical ripening pattern. Due to even ripening, the harvest period was compressed to fifteen days as opposed to the normal twenty to thirty in past vintages. Picking began on October 12th along the western ridge and continued a few days later with the low lying blocks on volcanic soil. The east-facing slopes followed, and harvest concluded on October 26th. As has become customary with the diversity of the territory, forty-six harvest passes were made resulting in nearly thirty distinct vinifications. After a year of aging, the selection for the final blend was made. The consistency of quality was a theme, but ultimately the lots that were chosen reflected both the power of the vintage and the restraint of the territory’s more temperate environs.

Close

Tasting note

color

Deep and Ruby red

ending

Long, Extensive and Pure

nose

Intense, Complex, Fresh and Opulent

recommend

Yes

taste

Warming, Balanced, Concentrated, Well-structured, Full-bodied, Focused, Vigor, Fragrant and Silky tannins

Verdict

Transparent and Full-bodied

Written Notes

Good looking normal size bottle, in an perfect condition and has by the neck level. Colour is ruby red, deep, youthful  and full. On the nose it is intense, generous, opulent, complex and fresh. The taste is focused,full of energy, fragrant, vigor, refined, warming, with silky tannins, full-bodied, with balanced, well-structured and concentrated structure. The finish is long, pure, spicy and extensive. This wine is a mouthfilling, transparent and fine. Perfectly stored bottles are still very worthy and will last well for another 20-30 years, decant at least 2h before tasting and this is a good invest wine. Good value for money. I do recommend.
  • 95p

Flashy and ripe to the core, the 2012 Promontory captures the essence of the year in its explosive, radiant personality. The flavors are beautifully layered in the glass as this expansive, voluptuous wine blossoms over time. Even with its considerable sweetness and texture, the raw power of this site can't be denied. I expect the 2012 will drink better earlier than most vintages, but it has more than enough stuffing to continue to develop in bottle for many years.

  • 96p

I was honor to taste a full vertical, from the 2009 to 2012. In addition, I have to say, you can really feel the soul of this property, the wildness, the beauty and above all the incredible flavors. The wines show great complexity, the palate is all about black fruits, which then developed into various spices with cedar notes and dense, balsamic flavors. What strikes me the most was the overall freshness and most of all, the outstanding balance due to the acidity. The 2012 vintage is rich, mouth filling and elegant – all at the same time. This wine lasts for minutes on the palate displaying ultra-fine tannins. I could not be more impressed by Promontory (even thought my expectations were very high), job well done to the great Harlan family! Drinking window 2020-2045

  • 98p
Load more notes

Information

Origin

Oakville, Napa Valley

Inside Information

97 points Robert Parker's 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. (RP) 

Read more
Incorrect Information
If you found some information that is wrong, let us know
Are you sure you want do delete this wine? All information will be lost.
Are you sure you want to recommend this wine?
Are you sure you want hide this written note ?
Are you sure you want show this written note ?
UPGRADE MEMBER PLAN
Upgrade your membership now, it's quick and easy. We use PayPal, the world's largest payment system, it accepts all credit cards. Once you've chosen your membership level, you'll go directly to PayPal. You can cancel your membership at any time.
Thank you for your support!
 

Pro Member

 

Winemerchant Member

 

Winery Member

 

User

 

HOW TO USE TASTINGBOOK?

We recommend you to share few minutes for watching the following video instructions of how to use the Tastingbook. This can provide you a comprehensive understanding of all the features you can find from this unique service platform.

This video will help you get started



Taste wines with the Tastingbook


Create Your wine cellar on 'My Wines'



Explore Your tasted wines library



Administrate Your wine world in Your Profile



Type a message ...
Register to Tastingbook
Sign up now, it's quick and easy.
We use PayPal, the world's largest payment system, it accepts all credit cards.
Once you've chosen your membership level, you'll go directly to PayPal, where you can sign up for a free 7-day trial period. You can cancel your membership at any time. We wish you a rewarding journey to the world of Fine Wines.

Free 7 days Member trial

 

Member

 

Pro Member

 

Winemerchant Member

 

Winery Member

 

User

  Register