Ericsson

10

Harlan Estate is secluded high up in the hills of Oakville. Protected by the tall pine forest to west and overlooking the valley to the east. Really seems to tower above all: To Kalon, Beckstoffer, Opus, Martha’s Vineyard, they are all visible from the grounds at the estate. The air is cooler up here, the soil has great drainage, the vines are old and are dry farmed (truly dry farmed). They are probably one of a handful of vineyards in Napa that can get away with doing it effectively due the natural factors surrounding the vineyad: higher altitude means cooler temperatures in summer, the mountains to the west provide early shade during rippening season (higher diurnal range), yet Napa has a warm continental climate and the berries still get plenty of sunshine. About 30 acres of planted vines with annual production of 2,500 cases, give or take (that is a very small production). Harlan crafts one thing: a Bordeaux style red blend. Aged in mostly French oak for two years and another 18 months in bottle before release. The wine displays true vintage variation from a place that’s never had a “bad vintage.” Tasted 2014, 2015, 2019, and 2023 (from barrel). The wine is opulent yet elegant, refined, it has levels of complexity and layer over layer of flavor. It has balance, intensity, length and a long finish. It’s a special occasion wine or the wine you open to make an occasion special. It’s the kind of wine you’ll remember for it captures a sense of time and place in liquid memory. — a month ago

WC Fields

9.6

Late in posting! 16 years! — 4 months ago

Rich Bluth

9.3

don’t know of a better Chardonnay from CA. super balanced. — 9 months ago

Dmitry Teytelman

9.2

The wine opened up quite a bit after decanting for an hour or so. Great tawny color, notes of sour cherry and raisins, long aftertaste. Will integrated tannins. An awesome bottle! — 24 days ago

with Eugenia

Justin Sun

9.6

So primary but everything in place to be an absolute monster — 3 months ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.2

The young vines of a mix of Harlan properties. Good, but not compelling at the price point.

Pebble Beach Food & Wine 2025. — 6 months ago

Tom Garland

9.2

+1 hour decant(decent chunky sediment). A splendid dark garnet color with little bricking. On the nose: Seductive notes of perfumed red fruit, dark chocolate, sandalwood, herbaceous, menthol, stewed meat. Taste: opulent, layered, silky wine with blackberry, chocolate espresso, dark plum, graphite, spice, and a licorice black tea slightly astringent long finish. 2nd wine for Harlan Promontory. — 22 days ago

with Brenda

Mike Obley

9.3

Drinking bueatiful — 3 months ago

Demir Worthington

9.2

Delicious, great balance and nice structure. Could be mistaken for a nice burgundy. Great balance of earthy and fruity notes. Would probably be better after more time. Also tried the 2022 which was good but too young — 5 months ago

Jeremy Shanker

Sommelier at RN74

9.3

‘98 still firing!! — 10 months ago