Harlan Estate


— Portfolio —

HARLAN ESTATE 2018
Bottle Shot

2018 vintage notes

“A maturing of the human element”

“Pruning began in late January and was finished by early March. We chose to prune conservatively, leaving fewer buds per vine than the previous year. The growing season commenced with budbreak in the first week of April. It is important to note that, although rainfall was slightly below average, the timing of the rain was decidedly opportune. We received nearly half of the total year’s rainfall in March, April, and May, which helped the vines grow at their potential throughout the spring. The vines bloomed with great optimism and our pruning strategy paid off with a good balance of fruit. What followed was one of the most temperate and idyllic growing seasons in recent memory. Temperatures in Oakville rarely surpassed 90°F (32°C), and not once did they trespass upon the century mark. As we entered autumn, the forecast predicted moderate temperatures with morning fog and no chance of rain. Customarily, these types of conditions could result in delaying the onset of harvest. As we tasted the grapes in September, however, there was an indescribable confidence that the vines were ready to be harvested, and the in-gathering proceeded purposefully from that point on” – Harlan Estate

 

Tasting notes

“The aromas are decidedly young and vibrant, yet the ubiquitous forest floor elements––normally veiled––are illuminated in vivid detail. There is an innate grace as the wine follows the natural contours of the palate like the slopes upon which the vines reside. Deep and layered, there is resilient energy and strength present. In the finish, more refined details emerge around its confident structure. The tannins have a delicate, engraved quality, each facet demonstrating a fine filigree of tannins in layered sequence. The 2018 is almost celebratory. It speaks of a certain harmony of nature and the unbroken chain of those who have tended to this place over time” – Winemaker’s tasting notes

 

Critic comments

“Not yet bottled, the 2018 Harlan Estate is another beautiful wine that shows the fresher, more elegant, yet still concentrated and powerful style of the estate today. Beautifully pure cassis, graphite, tobacco, and a massive amount of rocky mineral – like nuances emerge from this full-bodied barrel sample, which is flawlessly balanced, has masses of tannins, and a great finish. It reminds me slightly of the 2013…or is it closer to the 2016?” – Jeb Dunnuck 97-99 pts, tasting date 27/01/2021

“The 2018 Harlan Estate is deep, plush and full of potential. But potential is the key word here, as the 2018 is also very reticent today. Its depth, power and pedigree are all obviously apparent. It is an atypical wine for Napa, as the acids, tannin and structure are all pretty prominent. Hints of black cherry, gravel, spice, menthol and lavender gradually open with some coaxing. The 2018 is a remarkable wine. I remember tasting it for the first time in Spring 2019, when it came across as a bit light. Perhaps that was a reflection of early blending and a wine that had not bounced back from that. Since then, the 2018 has gained in richness and volume, while retaining the finessed style that is such a signature here these days” – Antonio Galloni on January 2022, 98+ pts, Drinking Window 2028 – 204