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Tasting notes
Flat-out awesome, the 2021 Promontory continues to show brilliantly and will most likely merit a triple-digit rating in a decade. Cassis, graphite, crushed stone, black olives, and violets define the aromatics, and it has a liquid, rock-like minerality. It's full-bodied on the palate, remarkably well-balanced, with ultra-fine tannins, integrated acidity, and a great finish. It's powerful, yet incredibly elegant and seamless, and it's going to age for 40+ years. Drink 2025-2065.
Critic scores
Average Score
James Suckling
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2021 Promontory is fabulous. It shows all the natural intensity of a vintage defined by intense drought. Dark-toned fruit, graphite, new leather, spice and chocolate all meld together in this powerful, structured wine from Promontory. Potent tannins need time to soften, but there's a ton of underlying finesse here. Readers should be in no rush.
Stupendous aromas of blackberries and blackcurrants with hints of mint, cedar and pine. Notes of iodine, tobacco and mushrooms. Medium- to full-bodied with solid tannins that spread across the palate and melt into the wine. They frame the wine and give it form and tension, and then the center palate is energized with pure, airy, bright fruit. Available in 2026.
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.