“The 2011 Matriarch is soft, silky and quite pretty. Naturally the 2011 is a smaller-scaled wine than normal, but there are no hard edges. I would prefer to drink the 2011 over the next few years, while the fruit is supple and forward. Hints of red cherry, mint and tobacco add to an overall impression of graciousness.” AG Oct 2014

“This highly successful project of Bill Harlan and his team from Harlan Estate and his newest, luxury project, Promontory, includes his winemaker Bob Levy and consulting enologist Michel Rolland. All of these wines represent Bill Harlans innovative concept of producing 100% Napa Cabernet Sauvignons from some of the regions finest microclimates and terroirsall with different expositions and soil bases. Most of these vineyards are on long-term leases and are farmed by the Harlan team. Those barrels deemed unworthy of single-vineyard status are blended together and bottled under the Matriarch label.” RP Oct 2014