This is one of the views H. William Harlan aka ‘Bill’ saw of Promontory back in the 1980s. When he first set his eyes on what would be one of the best places to grow his coveted wines. Untamed, wild, and undiscovered, this would be a place he’d return to again and again.
The very first wine endeavor Bill Harlan was Merryvale. His first personal wine project was Harlan. His goal was to create 1st growth or Cru of California. Mainly Cabernet Sauvignon. Bond encompasses five single vineyards around the valley, grape properties are on long term lease. Vine Hill Ranch is part of it. The goal of Promontory was to create a relatable experience. The acquisition of 800 acres took 3-4 different time periods. The Harlan vineyards consist of less than 10% under vine allowing this property to truly stay connected with nature. 40% of the vine growth is directly for Promontory.
The Promontory tasting rooms are a study of meditation of Napa Valley.
Austere, peaceful, and private you may feel like you are the only one at this luxury wine destination. Some may call this a “Cult Wine”, but it’s so much more than that. This wine is iconic. Much like the man that built this dynasty.
The design harkens from a no-nonsense industrial aesthetic. When you’ve experienced the ground shaking in any wine region, protecting wine is a non-negotiable goal. And the rock-solid nature of the winery, as well as the barrel room, attests to this. But this takes it a step further. Views from almost every angle of the vineyards under not only the Promontory watch but Bond and Harlan as well.
A big part of Napa Valley legends in wine, many dream of tasting wines from Bill Harlan and his family. The brands are legendary. Bond, Harlan, and the latest adventure, Promontory.
Promontory stands at the top of a series of ridges on the Mayacamas in Oakville. The lookout has views of each of Harlan’s adventures in wine. Bond and Harlan Estate are a stone’s throw away. These spectacular views and vineyards are part of the Mayacamas prefecture. The Mayacamas in the Western mountain range of Napa Valley runs parallel to the Sonoma Coast. The coast is less than 50 miles as the crow flies and has a distinct impact on the grapes. Combined with the San Pablo Bay climate influences (just 11 miles from the marsh) also impacting Napa Valley weather and you have the formula for Napa Cru wine.
Nothing happens by accident under the watch of Bill Harlan. The planning, execution, and care of these wines and the wineries is hands down one of the best I’ve seen to date. From selecting vineyards decades ago to growing vines without releasing a wine for 8+ years. It’s all by design and the desire to create some of the most coveted wines in the Valley.
I’m with David Cilli, winemaker for Promontory. Our tasting begins with a sip at the precipice of Promontory and its expansive view of Oakville and the Harlan and Bond wineries. Ensuring a proper palate-cleansing, Cilli opens a stunning bottle of Dom Perignon.
The Acquisition.
Bill Harlan’s phone rang in 2007. It was a friend telling him that the property now known as Promontory was likely coming on the market . The property in May of 2008. The acquisition was for the second generation of the family. This is where the Director of Promontory, Will Harlan steps in.
The growing philosophy for these special wines is predicated on an 8 year minimum growth time, before release. Hence, 2008 was the first vintage. The team who works these lands has been together for almost 20 years. That’s running a tight ship of experience that is paying off in the production.
Bouchaine Winery is the spot to discover great Burgundian varieties made in Napa Valley’s Carneros region. Modern winery meets social hour. Bouchaine Vineyards tasting room
Somm Foundation Receives $25,000 in Support Pouring of Chateau Montelena’s stunning 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Over 200 people descended on Napa Valley’s Meritage Resort & Spa
Sojourn to the apex of Napa Valley with Theorem Vineyards. Adventuring up to Calistoga offers a wide array of wine riches including some boutique & family-owned small lot wineries.
Decadent, delicious and luxurious. Chocolate made for pure indulgence and a very special offer for you. (Link in bio)
Picture this. When Chardonnay grapes are harvested and pressed for juice, the remains are a mix of nutrient-rich by-products which, to date, have been going to-at best, compost--at worst, to waste.
Winemakers focused on eliminating waste discovered the taste attributes of Chardonnay grapes work in symphony with dark chocolate. Specifically by adding both brightness and a natural sweetness which utterly complements and tempers the dark chocolate's bitter notes.
The results are incredible. Smooth taste, a decadent creaminess and flavor that is so remarkable you'll be coming back for more. Science endorses dark chocolate as a potent antioxidant.
Enter @vinetobar. A delicious way to celebrate chocolate, sustainability and wine.
Delightfully designed to be unique in the realm of chocolate, it stands alone in its ability to pair perfectly with wine.
Whether it's Valentine's Day with someone special, a night out with your favorite friends, or a relaxing afternoon, indulge! Vine to Bar will take you and your palate
to new heights. (Link in bio)
Even better? My followers can get 10% off any @vinetobar
purchase through February 28, 2022. Use the code: VinetoBar8
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I’m pairing this beautiful sunset with a crazy good Sangiovese by @bibigraetz
Casa Matta means ‘crazy house’ which seems very fitting after this wild week.
This Tuscan beauty is a lovely sip with a bounty of red vibrant fruit and an affordable price. Beautifully understated Sangiovese with all the best Sangio attributes.
Love the bright taste and the easy on the pocketbook price. $20
This is how you kick off the weekend!
What are you ‘getting into’ this weekend?!
#TheWineSiren
#Tuscany #winelover #Winecountry #sunsetphotography
2017 Adams Blend from @canardvineyard . Made with proprietary Left-Bank and Right Bank varieties this beauty captures the best of Napa Valley goodness. It’s hallmark? Cabernet Franc & French Oak.
A nose of violet, black fruit and red berries sets the tone for this luxurious sip.
Lovely soft tannins, a framework of good structure and balance render a sublime state for those enjoying it. And if you love a long decadent finish you are in for a treat.
Drink now or cellar…
Paired with ribeye steak, asparagus, purple sweet potatoes and aioli.
“Fermentation: Cold Soaked 3 days, for a total of 21 days on the skins.
Aging: 19 months in French Oak
(50% New)
Cooperages: Fouquet, Sylvain
Varieties: 91% Cabernet Franc, 5% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Sauvignon
Alcohol: 14.8%”
#TheWineSiren #NapaValley
#winetasting #winewednesday
Angele means messenger of God or Angel in French. To 💋🍷💋#TheWineSiren Angele means a beautiful sign of food, with French influence.
Their wine list has something for everyone. The location is on the Napa River which you know is a favorite viewpoint of mine. The waterfront patio seating is always warm and sheltered.
The food and cocktails are always appealing.
Whether you are a barfly and love a good brunch or looking for a high quality evening out, this is one of my favorite destinations.
I’ve had the luxury of dining on these stunning St. Edwards oysters and enjoying the evening with my lovely friend, @Teresa_
It’s the perfect place to catch up with old friends and new. Celebrating a special occasion or just catching up.
Opened in 2002 by Bettina Rouas, this is a destination to be added to your itinerary, seasoned Napa visitor or not.
@AngeleRestaurant
#TheWIneSiren
@Bistro.Jeanty is a beautiful family-owned restaurant in the heart of #Yountville.
Started by Phillipe Jeanty over 20 years ago, the adventurous menu along with the meticulously prepared food is always a great detour after wine tasting. The dish you see before you is Crême de Tomate en Croute (Tomato soup in puff pastry). It’s bold brilliant flavors are complimented by the flaky decadent crust. Perfect for a cool winter day in Napa Valley. Located in Yountville Bistro Jeanty has both indoor and outdoor seating.
Paired with this stunning dish, a beautifully made Chablis from Bourgogne’s Domaine Vincent Dampt. A perfect accompaniment with so many dishes. Lovely texture, vibrant, great balance and a refreshing finish! Vincent Dampt is a fourth generation winemaker who has worked in both Marlborough New Zealand and at one of my favorite wineries, @olivierleflaive in #Burgundy. He farms organically on 8 hectares and is in the process of getting his HVE Certification (High Environmental Value). Sustainably grown.
#TheWineSiren #bourgogne #chablis #winelover #winetime
#winesyagr #winegeek #winetasting #organicwine #winelovers #foodies #whitewine #thirstythursday #ilovewine #wine #napavalley #napa
Dry Creek Valley has the charm of old Sonoma County, and at the same time the beauty of some of Sonoma’s best wine. @DutcherCrossing continually exemplifies the mastery achieved by proprietor Debra Mathy.
While we all are riding the cool weather wave, there is nothing like robust wine giving its all to a meal or to your pure and utter enjoyment. Dutcher Crossing has achieved this with three luscious examples of beauty.
Starting with the 2017 Brother’s Reserve Zinfandel… A complex and well balanced array of exquisite flavor and the hallmark of a brutal year. Lively and succulent, a vibrancy and complexity that will give this vintage beautiful cellar time, but make you want to imbibe now. A favorite pairing? A rack of lamb . The full bodied beauty stands up to rich dishes!
Next the 2017 Taylor Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon from Dry Creek Valley. Considered one of the most important wines at Dutcher Crossing the rock hillside the Cabernet Sauvignon vines thrive on brings rich flavor, aroma and tannins. Blended with Syrah, it adds further complexity and softens its rigidity with balance and beauty. Incredible finish and brilliantly vibrant fruit celebrates this exemplary beauty of a Cabernet. And you know I’m pairing that with a big juicy porterhouse!
Finally heading to sweet side of life with this 2014 Zinfandel Port. While it’s ready to sip now, this is one you can cellar and forget as the flavor will only further accentuate it’s promise. Ripe dried and sweet fruit with a bit of oak spice and a burst of vibrancy. I paired this with my tiramisu and couldn’t get enough.
It’s time to get closer to Dutcher Crossing and taste these incredibly exquisite and complex wine. Ready?! Let’s do this!
DutcherCrossingWinery.com
#TheWineSiren #redwine #port #zinfandel #cabernetsauvignon #Sonomacounty #drycreek #californiawine #wineinfluencer #winelover #winetasting #wheretotaste #winery #winerlovers #winedestinations
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