Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
I am speechless. I love the pure aromas of currants, blackberries, minerals and mint -- eucalyptus too. Full body yet so refined and beautiful. Subtle complexity. Great length. Give it two or three years to come together, but hard to hold back.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Espresso, mocha, dark red berries, rose petals and spices are some of the many notes that emerge from the 2008 Harlan Estate. The wine fleshes out beautifully in the glass as it shows off its class and true pedigree. This is a decidedly ripe, forward vintage, but in exchange the wine will drink well right out of the gate. Anticipated maturity: 2016-2028.
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Wine Spectator
Deliciously ripe, complex and aromatic, yet tight and closed, with dried currant, loamy earth, mocha, cedar, blueberry and plum flavors. The impressive finish shows detailed flavors and nuances. Full-blown, yet not as ripe as some Harlans. Best from 2013 through 2028.
Undoubtedly proving its merit over and over, Napa Valley is a now a leading force in the world of prestigious red wine regions. Though Cabernet Sauvignon dominates Napa Valley, other red varieties certainly thrive here. Important but often overlooked include Merlot and other Bordeaux varieties well-regarded on their own as well as for their blending capacities. Very old vine Zinfandel represents an important historical stronghold for the region and Pinot noir is produced in the cooler southern parts, close to the San Pablo Bay.
Perfectly situated running north to south, the valley acts as a corridor, pulling cool, moist air up from the San Pablo Bay in the evenings during the hot days of the growing season, which leads to even and slow grape ripening. Furthermore the valley claims over 100 soil variations including layers of volcanic, gravel, sand and silt—a combination excellent for world-class red wine production.