The 2017 Promontory shares with predecessors an elusive scent of wet stones—though here, a minty, herbal note also rises from this mist. Subtle hints of red fruit cloak the wine’s finely articulated structure, overlaying a spine of acidity and chiseled tension. Energy livens the midpalate, almost like an electrical impulse, as the tannin—tightly coiled at first—gradually unwinds to reveal on the finish the delicate complexity of its many component strands.
The vines transpired a significant amount of water, with a consequent increase of sugar concentration in the berries. This circumstance, though one of concern, proved—like so many others—a learning experience for the winegrowing team.
Harvest began in mid-September, and thankfully, 75% of the crop made it safely to the winery before the devastating wildfires started. However, the winemaking team kept the remaining quarter harvested after the fires separate and left this portion out from the final blend.
Pairs well with beef, lamb, deer, venison, mature and hard cheese, and poultry dishes.