Harlan Estate : Harlan Estate 2018

Tasting Characteristics and Tips for Harlan Estate 2018

Tasting

Appearance

The color shows a deep garnet hue with purple highlights, with remarkable brilliance.

Nose

The bouquet is complex and multi-layered, requiring aeration to fully express itself. It opens with intense black-fruit aromas, notably black cherries, blackberries, and blackcurrant. These fruity notes intertwine with mineral nuances of graphite and crushed stone, floral touches of violet and rose oil, as well as accents of cedar, spices, tobacco, and brown spices. Notes of dark chocolate, damp forest floor, and licorice complete this exceptionally rich aromatic palette.

Palate

On the palate, the wine is full and perfectly balanced, with remarkable energy and tension despite its concentration. Black-fruit flavors linger, joined by notes of espresso, dark chocolate, and earthy minerality. The tannins are silky and finely polished, lending an elegant texture. Vibrant acidity brings freshness and drive to the whole. The finish, with exceptional persistence of more than 60 seconds, lingers gracefully with echoes of earth, minerality, and exotic spices.

Food and wine pairings

This wine pairs perfectly with grilled or roasted red meats, notably strip steak, game with a blackberry reduction, or herb-crusted rack of lamb. It also goes elegantly with duck, feathered game, and roasted poultry. Wild mushroom dishes, such as porcini risotto, also make a harmonious match. For cheeses, opt for aged hard cheeses such as Comté, Gouda, or Mimolette.

Serving and cellaring

Harlan Estate 2018 can be enjoyed now but will gain in complexity over time. It can be tasted through around 2068, with an optimal maturity window between 2028 and 2038. Decanting for one to two hours will allow the wine to reveal its full aromatic complexity.

An Iconic Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon with Exceptional Aging Potential

The estate

Founded in 1984 by Bill Harlan, Harlan Estate has established itself as one of the most prestigious estates in California. Located on the western hills of Oakville in the Napa Valley, the estate spans 240 acres, including about 40 acres of vines planted on steep slopes between 325 and 525 feet in elevation. Guided by a 200-year vision, Bill Harlan created the Californian equivalent of a Bordeaux first growth. Today, the property is run by Will Harlan, the founder’s son, who assumed the role of managing director in 2021. The estate is recognized worldwide for wines of exceptional elegance and complexity, having earned multiple perfect scores from the most demanding critics.

The vineyard

The Harlan Estate vineyard occupies an outstanding terroir on the eastern slopes of the Oakville hills, in the Napa Valley. The soils, of volcanic origin, are composed of volcanic ash, fractured volcanic rock, and sedimentary formations, creating a complex geological mosaic. The shallow soil depth, ranging from a few centimeters to about 30 centimeters, forces the roots to dive deep into the bedrock. The vineyard is farmed at high planting densities, reaching up to 2,212 vines per acre in the most recent parcels. Yields are deliberately kept low, at around 3 tons per acre or less. About 72% of the vineyard is now dry-farmed, without irrigation, encouraging deep rooting and a truer expression of the terroir. The vines, averaging 35 years of age, benefit from meticulous management, with hand harvesting carried out early in the morning.

The vintage

The 2018 vintage enjoyed ideal climatic conditions in the Napa Valley. After a cool spring that slightly delayed budbreak, the summer was warm and steady, without excessive heat. Flowering took place under excellent conditions, ensuring even fruit set. Spring rainfall provided the vine with the necessary moisture, while the summer allowed for slow, even ripening of the grapes. Temperatures remained moderate, rarely exceeding 32°C, preserving the berries’ natural acidity while allowing for optimal ripeness. These exceptional conditions produced grapes of remarkable quality, combining concentration, balanced acidity, and refined tannins.

Vinification and aging

After rigorous grape selection, Harlan Estate 2018 was vinified using fruit-respectful methods. The berries first underwent cold soaking for 5 to 7 days at a temperature below 4°C, allowing gentle extraction of aromatic compounds and color. Alcoholic fermentation took place in small tanks with indigenous yeasts, enabling parcel-by-parcel vinification. Pump-overs were adjusted based on regular tastings to optimize extraction. Malolactic fermentation occurred in 100% new French oak barrels. Aging continued for 24 to 36 months in new barrels, allowing for harmonious integration of the oak. The wine was bottled without fining or filtration, thus preserving the full breadth of its aromatic complexity.

Grape varieties

Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot.