In a
effort to visit all 600 Napa wineries(350 and counting), my wife and I had the privilege to visit Promontory Winery.
Promontory is the latest addition to famous winemaker Bill Harlan’s business empire. His son, Will, continues to carry out Bill’s “200 year plan” for his dreams on the project. The winery sits high above the hills of Oakville and the spectacular 840 acres of beauty produces fabulous Cabernets in the grand Harlan tradition.
As we entered the Howard Backen designed winery, our private tasting began with a glass of Dom Perignon champagne and winery tour. Our host then escorted us into an elegant room with stunning views to taste the carefully crafted wines. We felt very fortunate to taste this great wine with Charlie Williams, Director of Membership and Hospitality and Wine Maker David Cilli, who is originally from Tuscany. David fascinated us as he explained about the wine growing territory- the diversity of soil and the elevation and climate impact on the grapes.
We had a side by side tasting of the 2009 and 2012 vintages. Both were exquisite. The 2009 was the first vintage of this winery and full of elegance and energy. The 2012 was recently released and is approachable and ready to drink now. It will only get better as it ages with time. The winery is unique as it has a five year release time for the wine to evolve toward excellence.
This is definitely a “must do” for sophisticated wine lovers.
For more information and to make an appointment go to;
Promontory is the latest addition to famous winemaker Bill Harlan’s business empire. His son, Will, continues to carry out Bill’s “200 year plan” for his dreams on the project. The winery sits high above the hills of Oakville and the spectacular 840 acres of beauty produces fabulous Cabernets in the grand Harlan tradition.
As we entered the Howard Backen designed winery, our private tasting began with a glass of Dom Perignon champagne and winery tour. Our host then escorted us into an elegant room with stunning views to taste the carefully crafted wines. We felt very fortunate to taste this great wine with Charlie Williams, Director of Membership and Hospitality and Wine Maker David Cilli, who is originally from Tuscany. David fascinated us as he explained about the wine growing territory- the diversity of soil and the elevation and climate impact on the grapes.
We had a side by side tasting of the 2009 and 2012 vintages. Both were exquisite. The 2009 was the first vintage of this winery and full of elegance and energy. The 2012 was recently released and is approachable and ready to drink now. It will only get better as it ages with time. The winery is unique as it has a five year release time for the wine to evolve toward excellence.
This is definitely a “must do” for sophisticated wine lovers.
For more information and to make an appointment go to;
