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.
Alice Tetienne of Champagne Henriot Organic is important, but not necessarily the best. It is but one part of the equation. We have to be
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.
I need to work on my ABS but last night was all about a 2018 Abstract. Have you tasted?
#TheWineSiren #MondayMonday #winelife #winter #roomwithaview #Napavalley #Napawine #winetravel #gimmemore
Gondola ride on the Napa River at sunset...
##napavalley #beautifuldestinations #sunsets #sunsetlovers #winetravel #carneros #viewfrommywindow #goodvibes #relax #destinationearth #TheWineSiren
It's the people you meet who make wine so special. Here are a few who make my life a lot more fun. New friends. Old friends . And those who have been there since the beginning. In the name of great wine! To the cool kids around the world.
@vallepicciola @smstudio_pr @cellaiale @winemob @winemoments @grapevineadventures @wanderlustvino @corni.winelover @cologne_wines
#grandcru #grandcrew #winelife #tuscany #italianwine #topwines
There is nothing better than pairing a grand cru adventure with the culinary treats by 2 star @michelinguide #chef of @arnolforistorante #GaetanoTrovato, pictured near the end of this video meticulously serving up his jewel like morsels of exquisite taste @vallepicciola . Such an adventure in taste and excellence!
#grandcru #vallepicciola #wearevallepicciola @vallepicciola @cellaiale @smstudio_pr #vallepicciolawines #vallepicciolawinery #tuscanywine #sangiovese #chardonnay #tagliobordolese #vallepicciolabianco #migliore #gaetano #chianticlassico #vagliali @vagliagli_official #wine #grandcru
Nap time.
In the name of Grand Cru, I traveled to a winery called @vallepicciola located in the heart of Chianti near Siena. I came away with an unforgettable experience and a number of significant moments.
The launch of some of the most hedonistic, exquisitely made and remarkable wine I've tasted in Italy. From the lusciously decadent white, which made 💋🍷💋#TheWineSiren feel like I was in the heart of Chablis to their outstanding take on a Bordeaux blend. I must say, this wine is simply divine. Pair that with a mouthwatering price point and you've got a delicious way to drink very special wine that won't bankrupt you or your friends.
Photos:
1) With Grand Cru Winemaker, Alessandro Cellai. Who inspired us all.
2) 2019 Migliore the incomparable Bordeaux blend with just 2,500 bottles, and a few large format bottles. Me? I'd like the Balthazar, please.
3) The town of Siena at sunset.
4) The incredible soil of the vineyards producing the wine of Vallepicciola. The composition of which are areas alternating with amalgams of clays, calcareous marl, bluish marl, tuff, sandstone and sand.
5) Just a portion of the winery open for tasting and experiences.
6) The stunning Grand Cru tasted.
7) The Vallepicciola gift box that needs to be on your list.
My only question to you is how quickly can you get this on your table? The race is on!
#grandcru #vallepicciola #wearevallepicciola @vallepicciola @cellaiale @smstudio_pr @winemob
#vallepicciolawines #vallepicciolawinery #tuscanywine #sangiovese #chardonnay #tagliobordolese #vallepicciolabianco #migliore #chianticlassico #vagliali @vagliagli_official
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.
