2018 Promontory, Napa Valley

Promontory, a Harlan family estate situated in the rugged eastern foothills of Napa Valley's Oakville, champions a terroir-first philosophy, meticulously farming its diverse volcanic, sedimentary, and notably metamorphic soils. The estate's higher elevation and cooler east-facing slopes, combined with a commitment to sustainable practices like weaving vine shoots and dry-farming older vines, foster a deep expression of its unique site. For the 2018 vintage, a notably long, cool growing season in Napa Valley allowed for gradual phenolic ripeness, resulting in a Cabernet Sauvignon that exhibits bright acidity and a refined, firm tannic structure. Winemaking emphasizes minimal intervention, with multiple small-batch fermentations and extended aging for 30-36 months in large, neutral Austrian Stockinger casks, designed to articulate the wine's inherent purity rather than mask it. This approach yields a wine of robust concentration, defined by its structural integrity, vibrant freshness, and profound site specificity, built for significant cellaring potential.