2018 Promontory Proprietary Red
Buying options
Tasting notes
The 2018 confirms the direction of change. Although on paper the wine looks similar to 2016 (in terms of analytics), this is significantly different – offering a transparency and vibrancy. Empting describes it as “athletic” – a fitting way to describe a wine that feels lithe. The fruit sits on the red spectrum, with super-fine velvet tannins forming a chiselled, linear structure. There’s a lift and florality to the nose, complementing the long, pure palate.
Deep garnet in colour the 2018 Promontory is all in the detail. The nose opens up in the glass to reveal subtle but expressive aromas of crushed red berries, forest floor and cassis. Medium to full-bodied, the mid-palate has a wonderful floral lift which, coupled with such balanced acidity, is quite unusual at this youthful stage of life. The tannins slowly unfurl in the glass to leave you with a delicate and complex finish typical of top Napa. Promontory feels more singular and precise than ever before.
Critic scores
Average Score
James Suckling
Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW, The Wine Independent
More reviews and scores
The 2018 Promontory is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon; the estate has some Cabernet Franc planted, but it hasn't yet been utilized in the blend. Scents of crushed mint, ripe cherries and river stones mingle easily on the nose, while the medium to full-bodied palate is tense and fresh. This has what is fashionably described as "tension" in spades, then finishes long and silky. Give it some time in the cellar, and my rating my look stingy in a decade.
I loved the 2018 Promontory, which is more structured and powerful than the 2017, with more framing tannins as well as a gorgeous bouquet of black and blue fruits, lavender, sage, and lead pencil-like nuances. The balance here is perfect, and it’s one of those wines that’s going to evolve gracefully for 2 to 3 decades if well stored.
The 2018 Promontory is as phenomenal as it has always been, but it too is going through a period of reticence. This dark, brooding Cabernet is packed with character. Time in the glass brings out striking inner perfume and sweetness. There is a feeling of stark minimalism in the 2018 that I find compelling. Constantly changing in the glass, the 2018 is a magical, exquisite Cabernet Sauvignon. (AG)
About the producer
Promontory is fast becoming one of the Napa Valley’s most important estates. The property was purchased by Bill Harlan (founder of Harlan Estate) in 2008, with the first vintage – 2009 – released in 2015.