Promontory
Promontory
Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley, United States
Bottle size:
750 ml
Shipping: R99 nationwide
Promontory
The road to Promontory unfolds slowly. Its winding path begins in the benchlands of south-western Oakville alongside a small seasonal creek, then ascends gradually through a narrow ravine in the mountains. The air cools, ferns appear among rocky outcroppings, and moisture clings to moss hanging from surrounding trees. Almost forbiddingly, steep slopes rise up seven hundred feet on either side and slivers of light struggle to penetrate the dense forest canopy. A moment later reveals a meadow in the full glow of day, and the first glimpse of the territory’s rangelands stretching upward toward the sky. Promontory is truly a world apart from the Napa Valley that most people experience. Within this secluded canyon there are two distinct fault lines, roughly demarcating the boundaries between volcanic, sedimentary, and metamorphic soils. This diverse geology is stretched across 500 feet of elevation, on a multitude of dramatic slopes and panoramic exposures. Less than ten percent of the land is under vine, weaving an intricate patchwork among the wild expanse of forest and woodlands. This natural landscape, along with the warmth of the rock-studded western exposure, invites morning fog and slightly cooler air to fill its narrow canyon on an almost daily basis. The enviable — if sometimes daunting — task of unearthing and translating the essential qualities of this majestic formation has given us a deeply visceral connection to the place. The land is speaking at last, awakening a long-dormant story of this uncharted territory.
Description
Just after fermentation, the 2018 vintage of Promontory already reflected the gentle, extended growing season, showing uncommonly detailed tannins. During its many months in the cellar, the wine has retained its effusive brightness and fresh acidity while continuing to acquire elevated nuance and bringing forward its many facets. Blue-fruit aromas, as well as pleasantly resinous qualities, accompany a fresh, cool note that rises to greet the nose. The wine’s lifted and profound dimension emanate outward from a center of almost ethereal form. Although the fine-grained tannins introduce an element of restraint to this translucent radiancy, the intrinsic nobility of this wine persists at each stage of its measured procession across the palate to the finish.
Food Pairing
Beef, Lamb, Poultry, Game (deer, venison), Mature and hard cheese
