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.
The 55 judges awarded silver, gold and grand gold medals to wines from 25 countries.
At the beginning of March, in the @paysdocigpwines region of Southern France, over 1,200 #rosé wines from across the globe competed for the highly coveted @concoursmondial de Bruxelles medals. The @vinolok_global international Revelation Trophy was awarded this year to a rosé wine from #Italy – Y by 11 Minutes Rosé – produced by @pasquawines in #Veneto. Well done!
The Winners of the International Wine competition on Rosé for 2023 are in:
The Concours Mondial de Bruxelles is an international wine competition that takes place annually and is considered one of the most prestigious wine competitions in the world. The competition is held in a different location each year, and it attracts thousands of entries from winemakers around the world. The focus of the competition is on identifying wines of high quality that are representative of their region and grape variety.
In recent years, the competition has added a separate category for rosé wines, recognizing the growing popularity and diversity of this style of wine. The competition judges rosé wines on their color, aroma, taste, and overall balance, with the aim of identifying the best examples of the style from around the world.
Winning a medal at the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles can have a significant impact on a winery`s reputation and sales, as it is widely recognized as a mark of quality and excellence. The competition also provides an opportunity for winemakers to receive feedback from a panel of international experts, helping them to refine their techniques and improve their wines.
Winners link is: https://resultats.concoursmondial.com/en/results/2023
Congrats to all the Rose producers who participated!
#WineCompetition #winetasting #rosé #winelover #trendingwine #whattodrink #concoursmondialdebruxelles #paysdoc #montpelier #france #Veneto #winemedals #thewinesiren #wineoclock #winerating #winejudge
When great viticulture is an obsession you chose wisely and well. @vitnerd for @lecole41 on sustainability, great viticulture and award winning passion for vines.
WATCH WITH LINK IN BIO: SADIE DRURY - VINEYARD MANAGER
Sadie Drury is a Walla Walla native who has been passionate about agriculture since her first job of picking strawberries at the age of 12. In 2007, Sadie decided to combine her passion for agriculture with her love for wine by attending the Center for Enology and Viticulture at Walla Walla Community College and pursuing a career in viticulture. In 2008, Sadie started an internship at Ciel du Cheval Vineyard where she moved up the ranks to Assistant Vineyard Manager. Sadie joined the North Slope Management team in early 2013 and took over the reins as GM later that year. She currently manages 6 vineyards including the famed Seven Hills Vineyard. Sadie is the current Chair for the Washington State Wine Commission. She is the 2019 Power’s Sabbatical Recipient, the 2020 Washington Winegrowers Erick Hanson Memorial Grower of the Year, and a 2021 Wine Enthusiast 40 Under 40 Tastemaker.
#WashingtonWine #WallaWalla #lecole #Viticulture #sustainable #Sustainability #Vine #winelover #DrinkSustainable #TheWineSiren #SevenHills #wineeducation
https://www.youtube.com/live/PiWKkhnre94
The Ritz, Paris.
A destination since 1898, the Ritz Paris is one of the most iconic hotels in Paris.
There is no better place to return with a couple of my most cherished friends and begin our dinner and catch up session with an exquisite bottle of Extra Brut
Champagne Barons de Rothschild. Made from Chardonnay 60%;Reserve wines, the majority of which
are kept in their perpetual reserve (solera) 40%,
Pinot Noir 40%,
Grands and
Premiers crus 85%
Dosage 1.5 g/L
Ageing 4 years minimum
Exquisite perlage enhanced by notes of minerality and salinity, the brioche like aromas reveal notes of pear and fig. Delightfully well balanced its arômatic finish satisfies. This beauty is cellar worthy and will reveal its riches for years to come.
The stunning facade has a place in history since 1705. Jules Hardouin-Mansart, the most famous architect of the Baroque period, drew the initial design for Louis XIV.
The luminaries who frequented the hotel were many, Marcel Proust, F. Scott Fitzgerald and Ernest Hemingway. Many are the writers and artists inspired by the Ritz in their work as well. Hemingway for The Sun Also Rises and F. Scott Fitzgerald for Tender is the Night. In fact, the hotel’s “Bar Hemingway” was named for the author.
For 💋🍷💋#TheWineSiren a return to the Ritz is a return to the incredible history of Paris and a moment of great drinks and bites with dear friends. From the moment you cross the threshold the inviting aroma and views of luxurious surroundings envelope you.
Do you Ritz?
Photos
1. The Ritz Paris champagne. Pure deliciousness. Notes below.
2. The stage is set at your entrance. Visuals and aroma envelope your senses.
3. Cherished Parisian friends to share the experience with.
4. The stage is set at @barvendome
5. Fresh truffles with French fries
6. Probably the best steak tartare on the planet. Served mild, spicy or extra spicy . Texture and rich flavor abound.
7. Just one of the lovely cocktails served.
8. The vibe at Bar Vendome
9. The Hemingway Bar . Very few seats and always packed.
10. And the regroup at the end of the evening. This is where memories are made.
#Paris #ritzparis #TheWineSiren #champagnerothschild
From Carcassonne to Montpelier the beauty of @paysdocigpwines shines through. I`ll share more on my newest discoveries when I`m back in the US .
The bar @hotelricherdebelleval .... incredible. Have you been?!
#winetravel #winetraveler #thewinesiren #kellymitchell #wine #winelover #ginlover #barsofinstagram #beautifuldestinations #wheretofindme #france #montpellier #justdrinks #cocktailtime
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.
