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.
Barodlino has a rich history in both wine and culture. There is no better Rosé that takes the beauty of the region and expresses it than Chiaretto Rosé.
Could it be that this region, today known as the Fastest Growing Wine Region in the United States is the world’s next Napa Valley? This is Idaho Wine Country.
We sat down with CEO of Napa Green Anna Brittan to get down to earth on sustainable wine and how the program works. Vineyards of
Best cocktails to get your Rum on for #NationalRumDay ? We’re revving up with @santateresarum and mixologist Sam to bring the most flavor to your glass… Fun fact! Did you know that at $50/bottle @santateresa1796 is the best made sipping rum on earth. All the way from Venezuala with 36 years in barrel. Utterly incredible. If you love rum and want more flex on your recipes jump on at 1pm PT Tuesday August 16th for National Rum Day!
#TheWineSiren #Notjustwine #kellymitchell #spirits #cocktails #mixologist #summersips #rumdrinks #rumcocktails
Check it out! #armycorpofengineers & #coastguard bringing in the big guns to keep our waterways safe.
Cool to see them in action. They’llbe with us a few days on the #napariver.
#TheWineSiren #bigboats #ships #riverlife #loscarneros #napavalley #winecountry #kelly
Happy Friday all! Nothing better than an afternoon @crockerstarr with great friends and good vibes @justelan . I really need to work on my smiles. Things that added to our smiles, the sparkling wine and Sauvignon Blanc by @crockerstarr and the lovely new kid on the block @localismwines Fantastic SB there too.
#TheWineSiren #napaValley #kellyMitchell #wine #winetasting #winegrowing
Get ready for some Gin fun! Master Distiller Dr. Anne Brock is joining us Live from London! We’ll be talking anout the history of the @bombaysapphireus dustillery, how they have become sustainable heros and how vapor makes their gin the smoothest and more! See you on Wine Wednesday at 8:30am. #sustainablewineworld #notjustwine #ginlovers #thewinesiren #kellymitchell #wine #gintasting #gincocktails #cocktailsofinstagram
How do you celebrate 50 years of making incredible wine? With a party worthy of just that. The Soirée Blanc was the perfect occasion to mark the occasion on the 50th Anniversary of @chalkhillestate . This iconic property held the event at the highest point known as Ridge Top straddling the Mayacama Mountains while overlooking Alexander Valley.
Chalk Hill is in the Chalk Hill AVA with 1300 acres, 300 of which are under vine and certified sustainable. The celebration introduced three new Chardonnay’s, Little Patch Chardonnay and Carol Ann Oak Hill Chardonnay, and after a 10 year absence it marked the return of the exquisite Founder’s Block Chardonnay. Founders Block is made from the very first 11 acres of Chardonnay planted on the estate.
Chalk Hill Estate features an equestrian pavilion, a four acre organic culinary garden and a hospitality center.
This event is part of a year long celebration.
Happy 50th Chalk Hill! Thanks for the amazing wine and the memorable time!
For more visit: chalkhill.com Its well worth the visit!
##ChalkHill #SonomaCounty #winery #KellyMitchell Wine #sustainable #soiree #whiteparty #summervibes #justdance #chardonnay #
Oakville. Land of vast expanses of vineyards, dotted with dust, flecks of gold on the horizon and crystal clear blue skies.
Where do you want to be right now?
#napavalley
#thewinesiren
Learn about new products, wine travel tips and the latest on wine, food and fab.
Learn about new products, wine travel tips and the latest on wine, food and fab.
