Harlan Estate
Napa Valley Proprietary Red Blend
Napa Valley, California, USA
After a couple months of hiatus, the Friday City Club group was able to get back together (albeit a smaller, more spread out group) for an epic hosting by @joe leatherwood . 1 sparkler, 2 whites, 5 reds and 1 dessert wine, all served blind.
And the hits just keep coming. A total monster. I found this to be the most extracted of the 5 reds. Could smell it five feet away. Dark chocolate dipped blueberries and blackberries, graham cracker, mocha, violets all jump from the glass. Velvet like texture revealing a streak of ripe red fruits and an herbal/mineral like note down the middle of the palate. Dusty. So much beautiful freshness but commanding power here...longest finish of the day. I called this 7-10yr old Napa cab (specifically Shafer Hillside Select).
After a couple months of hiatus, the Friday City Club group was able to get back together (albeit a smaller, more spread out group) for an epic hosting by @joe leatherwood . 1 sparkler, 2 whites, 5 reds and 1 dessert wine, all served blind.
And the hits just keep coming. A total monster. I found this to be the most extracted of the 5 reds. Could smell it five feet away. Dark chocolate dipped blueberries and blackberries, graham cracker, mocha, violets all jump from the glass. Velvet like texture revealing a streak of ripe red fruits and an herbal/mineral like note down the middle of the palate. Dusty. So much beautiful freshness but commanding power here...longest finish of the day. I called this 7-10yr old Napa cab (specifically Shafer Hillside Select).
The 2012 Harlan Estate is a simply fabulous showing from this vintage. This stunning red instantly impresses with its gorgeous pure aromas of fresh ripe blackberries and blueberries, which are woven together with savory herbs, crushed violets mocha and a dusty earthy mineral character that all take shape and burst from the glass. Full-bodied and voluptuous, this majestic red is plush and beautifully structured with well-polished tannins that are seamlessly integrated. This goes on to impress as it displays a remarkable combination of balance and concentration, along with a core of beautiful sweet ripe dark fruits that continue to build up to the long, opulent finish. While the 2012 is already showing incredibly well and is nothing short of sensational today, this is ultimately still a youthful wine that should continue to cruise in the cellar and age gracefully for decades.
The 2012 Harlan Estate is a simply fabulous showing from this vintage. This stunning red instantly impresses with its gorgeous pure aromas of fresh ripe blackberries and blueberries, which are woven together with savory herbs, crushed violets mocha and a dusty earthy mineral character that all take shape and burst from the glass. Full-bodied and voluptuous, this majestic red is plush and beautifully structured with well-polished tannins that are seamlessly integrated. This goes on to impress as it displays a remarkable combination of balance and concentration, along with a core of beautiful sweet ripe dark fruits that continue to build up to the long, opulent finish. While the 2012 is already showing incredibly well and is nothing short of sensational today, this is ultimately still a youthful wine that should continue to cruise in the cellar and age gracefully for decades.
Jul 26th, 2019
Sampled 4/29/2019 at “Taste of Oakville”.
94+ pts.
Sampled 4/29/2019 at “Taste of Oakville”.
94+ pts.
Absolutely expected this bottle at the collector's dinner. After double decanting, the youthfulness became approachable with notes of dark berries (cassis and black raspberry), wet forest floor and violets. A big voluptuous wine.
Absolutely expected this bottle at the collector's dinner. After double decanting, the youthfulness became approachable with notes of dark berries (cassis and black raspberry), wet forest floor and violets. A big voluptuous wine.
May 24th, 2017
Tried this wine a few months ago and it was quite muted. Much better at Matter of Taste. #harlanestate
Tried this wine a few months ago and it was quite muted. Much better at Matter of Taste. #harlanestate
Nov 6th, 2016Well damn. Funny, I never got to try it when I lived in Napa.
Well damn. Funny, I never got to try it when I lived in Napa.
Oct 27th, 2016Dark fruit with faint cedar notes and a chocolate black raspberry on the palate - a real treat!
Dark fruit with faint cedar notes and a chocolate black raspberry on the palate - a real treat!
Jun 15th, 2016
Just good, not great. Nowhere worth the tariff! Got crushed by wines 1/5 price.
Just good, not great. Nowhere worth the tariff! Got crushed by wines 1/5 price.
Aug 23rd, 2018