Ratings & Tasting Notes:
100 pts The Wine Independent
The 2021 Harlan Estate is composed of over 80% Cabernet Sauvignon plus a little Cabernet Franc and just a splash of Merlot. Deep garnet-purple in color, it slowly emerges from the glass with an alluring perfume of violets, wild blueberries, Morello cherries, and iron ore leading to a profound core of blackcurrant jelly, licorice, fragrant soil, and black truffle. The medium to full-bodied palate delivers a beguiling paradox of super-soft tannins and tightly knit black, red, and blue fruit layers, finishing with jaw-dropping grace and poise.
100 pts James Suckling
The aromas are subtle yet enticing with lavender and rose petal notes. So aromatic and perfumed. Lots of currants and hints of spearmint. Chanel No. 5? Medium-bodied with super fine tannins that run the length of the wine with crunchy tannins that are energetic and vivid. It grows and grows and turns almost flamboyant. Goes on for minutes with a compressed and vibrant finish. Mostly cabernet sauvignon with some cabernet franc and a tiny percent of merlot and petit verdot. Drink it now to love and understand the potential. But it will age beautifully. Try after 2030.
100 pts Decanter
Harvest began on 22 August and wrapped up three weeks later for Cory Empting and his team at Harlan Estate. Longtime Harlan collectors might notice that the colour of the 2021 is surprisingly light—an almost lucid ruby colour. From it emerges a beautifully pure and precise red with coiled-up energy: gorgeous violet florals, black currants, black cherry, tobacco, and Szechuan pepper aromas. From the wine’s medium-bodied palate, pure black currant, black cherry, and spiced plum fruits intermix with pomegranate seed, tobacco and a hint of dark chocolate. Ultrafine, sculpted tannins build on the palate through the saline-scented finish. This wine has a natural brightness and perfumed florals that deliver freshness. Super compact, with immense structure, and best after 2027. I was able to taste it over three days, and it was still driving hard with tension and energy by day three, and only then beginning to open, which is the mark of a wine with tremendous cellaring potential. Yields were lower than average for the estate. Collectors need to note that this isn’t a massive shift in style but rather a trend toward building wine with piercing acidity that ensures it will age for decades. And at this price, it should wow with freshness and energy well into 2041, 2051, or 2061 when opened by those of you (or family members) fortunate enough to have held bottles that long. Have patience, and if you must open the wine in the first decade of its bottle life, taste a glass, then let it decant at cellar temperature for the better part of a day.
Cult Wines International Notes:
Harlan Estate, a Napa Valley icon, is widely regarded as California’s “First Growth,” producing Cabernet Sauvignon that sets the benchmark for quality. Founded by visionary Bill Harlan, who also developed Meadowood and wineries like Bond and Promontory, Harlan Estate embodies meticulous viticulture and uncompromising winemaking. Their 36-acre Oakville vineyard, with its steep slopes and diverse blocks, yields exceptional fruit.
Harlan’s journey began with a desire to create a world-class estate. After studying Bordeaux and Burgundy, he acquired his Oakville property in 1984. With a focus on quality, the inaugural vintage was released in 1996, crafted by a renowned team including Bob Levy and Michel Rolland.
Harlan Estate wines are known for their elegance, complexity, and remarkable aging potential. Grapes are sourced from the estate vineyard and meticulously selected. Fermentation and aging in new French oak barrels result in wines of exceptional richness and depth.
The Maiden, Harlan Estate’s second wine, offers a taste of the estate’s character at a more approachable price. Crafted with the same attention to detail, it showcases the vineyard’s unique terroir. Critics consistently praise The Maiden for its elegance and complexity.
Harlan Estate stands as a testament to Bill Harlan’s pursuit of excellence. Their wines are highly sought-after by collectors and connoisseurs, representing the pinnacle of Napa Valley viticulture.
Bottle Size:
750 mL
Storage History:
Stored on it’s side in a climate controlled cellar since purchase.
Condition:
Perfect.
