2021 Promontory

Promontory Winery

Promontory is the Harlan family's mountain estate in Napa Valley, located on the rugged western slopes of Oakville. Since its first release, this estate has established itself as one of California's most terroir-driven projects. Under the leadership of winemaker David Cilli, minimal intervention, long aging, and only large oak barrels are used. The focus is on the precision, structure, and transparency of the mountain terroir. More information about this winery can be found under the Winery tab.

2021 Promontory

The 2021 Promontory belongs to a select group. With 100 points, it is one of the absolute top wines of the vintage. Only a very few wines worldwide receive this rating annually. This 2021 stands out for its combination of enormous intensity, tension, precision, and a remarkably refined structure.

Vintage and origin

The 2021 vintage was characterized by drought and low yields. The small, concentrated berries produced a wine with powerful yet controlled tannins and a remarkable inner suppleness. Harvest began in late August and concluded in mid-September. The wine therefore displays both concentration and freshness, with a tension characteristic of this mountain terroir.

Grape varieties and vinification

Promontory works primarily with Cabernet Sauvignon from steep, rocky mountain parcels in Oakville. Fermentation is deliberately macerated for a relatively short time to avoid over-extraction. The wine then ages for an average of 2.5 years in large oak barrels and foeders, followed by several years of bottle aging before release. This approach gives the wine structure and depth, without the oak dominating the wine.

Color, smell and taste

Deep dark red in color. The nose is highly layered with blackberries, blackberries, blackcurrants, mint, cedarwood, and pine needles, complemented by graphite, tobacco, leather, spices, and a subtle earthy note. The aroma is intense, yet remarkably precise and clear.

The palate is medium to full-bodied with powerful tannins that give the wine shape and tension while simultaneously blending seamlessly into the overall wine. The core is pure, clear, and energetic, with dark fruit, graphite, new leather notes, and a mineral finish that lends length. Despite its power, the wine never feels heavy. It is precisely the combination of concentrated fruit, fresh acidity, airiness in the mid-palate, and a long, penetrating finish that makes this 2021 exceptional.

Why this wine is exceptional

What sets this 2021 apart from many other great Napa wines is its combination of natural intensity and complete control. The wine has the depth and power of a dry vintage, yet remains classic in its structure. The tannins are abundant yet fine, the structure is monumental but not ponderous, and the length is impressive without being overdone. This is precisely the kind of wine a 100-point score is meant for: complete, unique, and compelling on every level. The wine is packaged in OWC/1

Reviews and storage potential

James Suckling awarded this wine 100 points, praising its black fruit, mint, cedar, tension, and the way the tannins give it shape and energy. Antonio Galloni awarded it 99 points, highlighting its natural intensity, deep structure, and underlying finesse. This is a wine for the very long term, with ageing potential well beyond 2050.

Wine-Food and Discount

If available, you'll find the official fact sheet and additional information about this fine wine in the "Attachments" tab. We'll automatically send you this information when you order this wine. The wine is stored in our climate-controlled Wine Warehouse, and if you pick it up, you'll often receive a nice discount. You'll see your discount immediately when you select "Pick up" at the checkout page. We're located in Dordrecht, right next to the A16 motorway, with ample parking. Click here for our address.

You can read the full wine reviews from Parker, Suckling, Vinous, and Wine Spectator, among others. Need advice on finding the perfect wine to pair with your dish? Click here for our exclusive Sommelier. Free for Grand Cru customers. In the "Food" tab, you'll find advice on what to consider for the perfect wine-food pairing and several dish suggestions from our Sommelier.