1This is an exceptionally refined and structured Cabernet Sauvignon from the Harlan-related Promontory estate in California. Composed of 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, it delivers a captivating nose of crushed mint, ripe cherries, and river stones. The palate is medium to full-bodied, bursting with tense freshness and vibrant energy, backed by seamless, powdery tannins that coat the mouth with mineral elegance.

Jamessuckling.com | JS 100
Published: Apr 4, 2022

Violets and blueberries with cloves and pine cones, following through to a medium to full body with tight, seamless tannins, like finely cut diamonds. It’s very closed and reserved at the end. Weightless. Needs plenty of time to open. Unique wine. Better after 2027.

Decanter | D 100
Published: Feb 8, 2023
Drink: 2026-2042

Gorgeous blackcurrant bramble fruit tones on the nose. A hint of plum, juniper, allspice, cinnamon, pepper and violets. Stylish and compelling, a real sense of purity from the first mouthful. So carefully controlled and delivered. Tannins are ample but finely textured and well integrated - this really stands out in the tasting and is a step-up in terms of nuance, complexity and character. Tannins coat the mouth in a powdery chalky minerality while the subtle density and quiet muscular power gives the base and focus. Nothing stands out, you know you're in California which is excellent, but it's not overt or too much. Tastes sophisticated, stylish and overall expensive! A thrilling wine that really shines and is all the more likeable because it's not showing off or shouting too loudly. Liquorice and tar end the wine on a savoury note, suggesting long cellaring and long ageing potential. I love it. A class above. Director Will Harlan, winemaker David Cilli.

The Wine Advocate | RP 95+
Published: Mar 31, 2023
Drink: 2025-2045

The 2018 Promontory is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon; the estate has some Cabernet Franc planted, but it hasn't yet been utilized in the blend. Scents of crushed mint, ripe cherries and river stones mingle easily on the nose, while the medium to full-bodied palate is tense and fresh. This has what is fashionably described as "tension" in spades, then finishes long and silky. Give it some time in the cellar, and my rating my look stingy in a decade.

The newest of the Harlan-related projects, Promontory is based on an 840-acre parcel of largely forested hills located south of Harlan Estate. Purchased in 2008, it's virtually a valley unto itself, with fewer than 84 acres under vine. The winery itself is situated just north of Harlan. From a slightly higher elevation and virtually surrounded by nature, the wine is more taut and structured, accentuated by its élevage in Austrian oak foudres from Stockinger, which range from 1000 to 5000 liters in volume. This is always released later than the other Harlan projects, with the 2019 slated for release in March 2023. Availability at retail is extremely limited, so the best option is to sign up for the mailing list. Unlike Harlan Estate and Bond, Promontory does offer visits by appointment, so at least there is a chance to try the wine for yourself. 

Jancisrobinson.com | JR 18
Published: Feb 19, 2020
Drink: 2025-2040

Not a hot summer and lots of fog. Cask sample.
Lots of lift and energy. Racy and lively. Great drive and freshness with the tannins taking a front seat for the moment. Vibrant. Long.