2009 Promontory
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Tasting notes
The 2009 Promontory is just beginning to show the early signs of aromatic development. Sweet tobacco, licorice, menthol and new leather are all laced throughout. A classically proportioned wine, the 2009 Promontory finds more freshness and aromatic lift with time in the glass. Dark red cherry, plum, rose petal and mint develop nicely, but as always, Promontory is a wine of structure above all else. Still somewhat tannic in feel, the 2009 will only benefit from further time in bottle. Once again, the comparison between the 2009, the second vintage off the property, and more recent wines, is illuminating.
Critic scores
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2009 Promontory is dark, dense and voluptuous. Dark red cherry, Christmas spices, plums, menthol, new leather and licorice all meld together. Silky, seamless and beautifully textured in the glass. The 2009 has really softened over the last few years and is now entering its prime drinking window.
The 2009 Promontory dark, sumptuous and totally alluring. Smoke, licorice, new leather and tobacco wrap around a core of deep blue and black fruit. Mocha, espresso and cloves add shades of sepia-toned darkness on the expressive finish. The 2009 is one of the more obvious and powerful vintages for Promontory. Since then, the wines have increasingly shown more finesse.
(97% cabernet sauvignon with 2% malbec and 2% petit verdot): Deep ruby-red. Blackcurrant and licorice aromas are complicated by musky notes of roasted earth, mocha, woodsmoke and smoky minerals. Tightly wound but offers terrific intensity and lift to its savory currant, mocha and mineral flavors. Not a particularly opulent style, as the wine's acids and substantial tannins have not yet come into full harmony.
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.