Harlan Estate : Harlan Estate 2017

Tasting Characteristics and Advice for Harlan Estate 2017

Tasting

Appearance

The color reveals a deep garnet hue with purple highlights.

Nose

The nose asks for a little patience to fully reveal itself, then gradually opens onto captivating aromas of iron ore, blackcurrant jelly, cloves and crushed stones. The bouquet then unveils a warm core of blackcurrant, Black Forest cake and boysenberries, lifted by a touch of pencil lead.

Palate

On the palate, this wine is medium- to full-bodied, with a grainy, firm texture supported by a vibrant backbone. The palate reveals numerous earthy layers that build throughout the tasting. The tannins are fine and delicately textured. The finish lingers with beautiful length and a remarkable mineral-laced quality.

Food and Wine Pairing

Harlan Estate 2017 pairs beautifully with all types of classic meats, whether roasted, braised or grilled: veal, pork, beef, lamb, duck, game and poultry. It is a particularly fine match for a grilled ribeye with herb jus, rosemary-roasted lamb, or a venison preparation. This wine also pairs well with Asian dishes, meaty fish such as tuna, as well as mushroom pasta and aged cheeses.

Serving and Cellaring

Harlan Estate 2017 is ideally served at a temperature of 15.5 °C. Decanting for 3 to 5 hours is recommended to allow the wine to open up and fully express its bouquet. This wine can be enjoyed now but will continue to improve until around 2045.

An iconic Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon combining power and elegance

The estate

Founded in 1984 by visionary entrepreneur Bill Harlan, Harlan Estate is located in the western hills of Oakville, California. The estate spans 240 acres, including around 40 acres of vines planted between 300 and 500 feet in elevation. Since March 2020, Will Harlan, the founder’s son, has served as managing director, carrying forward the family vision laid out in a 200-year plan. The estate received the Golden Vines Award for Best Fine Wine Producer in the Americas in 2024 and 2025. It is recognized worldwide as one of the most prestigious Cabernet Sauvignon producers, creating California’s equivalent of Bordeaux’s first growths.

The vineyard

Harlan Estate’s vineyard is located on the western slopes of the Mayacamas Mountains, within the Oakville appellation of the Napa Valley. The vines benefit from an exceptional climate combining warm days and cool nights influenced by fog. The soils display a remarkable geological mosaic, with roughly half volcanic and half sedimentary composition, providing optimal drainage. The vineyard is planted at high density, reaching up to 2,212 feet of vine per acre in certain sections. The vines, averaging 35 years of age, are farmed with a meticulous approach, and nearly 72% of the vineyard is dry-farmed. The varietal composition is 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot.

The vintage

The 2017 vintage began with abundant winter rainfall that replenished water reserves after a long period of drought. The mild spring encouraged an extended and successful flowering. The growing season unfolded under favorable conditions, with a heat wave over Labor Day weekend accelerating ripening. The fires in early October did not affect the harvest, with around 90% of Napa Valley’s picking completed before this event. These conditions produced grapes of exceptional quality with beautifully expressive fruit.

Winemaking and aging

The grapes for this Harlan Estate 2017 are hand-harvested and transported in small crates to the winery. They undergo rigorous triple sorting before fermentation with indigenous yeasts in large open-top oak vats. A cold soak of 5 to 7 days at under 4 °C precedes fermentation. Malolactic fermentation takes place in 100% new French oak barrels, custom-selected. The aging of this California wine continues for 24 to 36 months in barrel; the barrels are kept laser-aligned and are not racked until bottling, allowing harmonious integration of the oak.

Grape varieties

Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot.