"The 2011 Promontory exhibits a dense purple color, more density and richness than I predicted from barrel, a big, sweet nose of licorice, scorched earth, espresso bean, camphor and sweet blackcurrants and blackberries. A Graves-like volcanic character is also present. Rich, full-bodied and in need of 3-4 years of cellaring (unusual for a 2011), it should drink well for two decades or more. I first wrote about this estate, Bill Harlan’s newest project, in issue #209 of The Wine Advocate. An 80-acre tract with 30 acres planted in vines, the vineyards are located south of Harlan Estate in the Mayacamas Mountains behind Dominus and Blankiet. The soils are all volcanic and sedimentary. Last year I wrote that there is something about the mountain style of these vineyards (500- to 1,100-foot elevation) that have produced a rugged, muscular, primordial wine somewhat reminiscent of La Mission-Haut-Brion, just bigger and denser."