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.
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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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