Harlan, Promontory, Colgin, MacDonald - BLIND: Though the oak here is perceptible, it does not show as aggressively as Harlan on the initial pull of the cork. Earth, eucalyptus (or is it bay leaf?... or is it mint??), grippy unripe blackberry and black cherry, black rock, and tobacco leaf reluctantly rise to the surface, making for an older school profile at the onset. That said, it shows wonderfully pure and refined, as its carriage of flavor is anything but rustic or weathered. Over time, this stays relatively consistent with its delivery. Linear and taut, but with a precision that elevates it into stratospheric levels of clarity and classiness.
The following day, we were able to pop the 2015 Promontory and it was 100 points on fire as soon as it hit the glass. The 2018 is still coiled up, but its stunning hallmarks are already offering a window in the greatness that is sure to come. Hold the 2018 for at least another 5+ years minimum, but it is likely to be at its best sometime after 2033 (man, that seems like forever from now!).
Had this blind next to 18 Harlan, 18 Colgin Tychson and 16 MacDonald. A fabulous wine in every respect, it didn’t quite get to Harlan’s level, but it made a distinct impression.
Of all the wines, this was easily the most elegant and nuanced. It had the most complex and delicate nose, showcasing tobacco, eucalyptus, and mint, reminding me a bit of what I would expect from a fine Bordeaux. The palate was already resolved and nuanced, with exceptional precision and purity. The fruit was present, but it was very well rounded with earthy and mineral driven flavors driving complexity even at this early stage. It didn’t quite get to the depth of the Harlan (or MacDonald) but it was pure class the entire time, with wonderfully refined tannins and a long and savory finish. I find Promontory to be the most consistent wine from Harlan. We had a 15 the next day and it was even better. These are killer.
A few days in Napa with fellow CT'r Cristal2000: So chiseled and linear that it almost seems like this thing is gonna stayed locked and loaded for the next 30 years. With air, air, air, and more air, blackberry seed, black cherry, and fresh herbs pop from the core. Focused, grippy, and the most honed frame I’ve likely ever seen on a young wine, the 2018 Promontory is in hyperdrive mode in terms of its quivering tension and acidic grasp. This thing is an iron fist in an iron fist. Wait 10 years before the velvet glove thing starts to actually happen.
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Promontory Wine Dinner by Kerry Wine (Restaurant Petrus): Promontory Wine tasting including 2012, 2013, 2016, 2017, 2018. Second to 2012, probably one of the wines I enjoyed the most that night. Great nose full bodies. The wine was very harmonious Tannins integrated. Approachable but definitely will improved with time.
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Napa in the City: Masterclass & Lunch (The Pool/Grill): This wine reminds me a little bit more of the old school intense style of napa. It's big and bold and more structured and more powerful (not all of which makes sense since a lot of the aging is big Austrian casks - perhaps just the power of the mountain fruit?). Not overly ripe though. Mouth coating. Slightly harder tannins. The kind that make me think this might be the most ageworthy of the group and interested to see how it is 30+ years.
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3/21/2024 - rjf@rjfinlay.com wrote:
Hold 5 years.
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9/16/2023 - ranpat wrote:
Error
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6/2/2023 - csimm wrote: 99 Points
Harlan, Promontory, Colgin, MacDonald - BLIND: Though the oak here is perceptible, it does not show as aggressively as Harlan on the initial pull of the cork. Earth, eucalyptus (or is it bay leaf?... or is it mint??), grippy unripe blackberry and black cherry, black rock, and tobacco leaf reluctantly rise to the surface, making for an older school profile at the onset. That said, it shows wonderfully pure and refined, as its carriage of flavor is anything but rustic or weathered. Over time, this stays relatively consistent with its delivery. Linear and taut, but with a precision that elevates it into stratospheric levels of clarity and classiness.
The following day, we were able to pop the 2015 Promontory and it was 100 points on fire as soon as it hit the glass. The 2018 is still coiled up, but its stunning hallmarks are already offering a window in the greatness that is sure to come. Hold the 2018 for at least another 5+ years minimum, but it is likely to be at its best sometime after 2033 (man, that seems like forever from now!).
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5/30/2023 - Cristal2000 Likes this wine: 99 Points
Had this blind next to 18 Harlan, 18 Colgin Tychson and 16 MacDonald. A fabulous wine in every respect, it didn’t quite get to Harlan’s level, but it made a distinct impression.
Of all the wines, this was easily the most elegant and nuanced. It had the most complex and delicate nose, showcasing tobacco, eucalyptus, and mint, reminding me a bit of what I would expect from a fine Bordeaux. The palate was already resolved and nuanced, with exceptional precision and purity. The fruit was present, but it was very well rounded with earthy and mineral driven flavors driving complexity even at this early stage. It didn’t quite get to the depth of the Harlan (or MacDonald) but it was pure class the entire time, with wonderfully refined tannins and a long and savory finish. I find Promontory to be the most consistent wine from Harlan. We had a 15 the next day and it was even better. These are killer.
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5/17/2023 - lorenga Likes this wine: 100 Points
Fantastic
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4/7/2023 - csimm wrote: 96 Points
A few days in Napa with fellow CT'r Cristal2000: So chiseled and linear that it almost seems like this thing is gonna stayed locked and loaded for the next 30 years. With air, air, air, and more air, blackberry seed, black cherry, and fresh herbs pop from the core. Focused, grippy, and the most honed frame I’ve likely ever seen on a young wine, the 2018 Promontory is in hyperdrive mode in terms of its quivering tension and acidic grasp. This thing is an iron fist in an iron fist. Wait 10 years before the velvet glove thing starts to actually happen.
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2/28/2023 - jeremy@ Likes this wine: 99 Points
Promontory Wine Dinner by Kerry Wine (Restaurant Petrus): Promontory Wine tasting including 2012, 2013, 2016, 2017, 2018.
Second to 2012, probably one of the wines I enjoyed the most that night. Great nose full bodies. The wine was very harmonious Tannins integrated. Approachable but definitely will improved with time.
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1/31/2023 - beatles wrote: 93 Points
Very cool indeed - and very young. Herbal, minty, probably needs to integerate. Very fine tannin. Elegant wine.
#Angleterre
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4/9/2022 - Fake Drinker Does not like this wine: 94 Points
Very tight on nose and firm on palate. Not a enjoyable wine right now. Needs time to improve.
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4/9/2022 - MC2 Wines wrote:
Napa in the City: Masterclass & Lunch (The Pool/Grill): This wine reminds me a little bit more of the old school intense style of napa. It's big and bold and more structured and more powerful (not all of which makes sense since a lot of the aging is big Austrian casks - perhaps just the power of the mountain fruit?). Not overly ripe though. Mouth coating. Slightly harder tannins. The kind that make me think this might be the most ageworthy of the group and interested to see how it is 30+ years.
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4/9/2022 - nywine68 wrote: 95 Points
Napa in the City. 2019/2018 Napa Valley Masterclass with Antonio Galloni and top winemakers (The Pool restaurant, Manhattan): Tight. Dense, dark and concentrated fruit. Big nose of mint and eucalyptus. Fine tannins and nice structure. This will need decades to fully develop. It opened up a bi more after an hour in the glass and showed more red fruit and more acidity and balance. This will likely warrant a higher score in a decade or two.
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