2011 harlan estate, napa valley

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Bottle size (ML)

Why We're Buying

Harlan Estate is a myth figure in Napa Valley. The first vintage was released in 1983 and the critical praise continues to this day. Its eponymous Bordeaux-styled red blend routinely retails north of $1,000 per bottle, with wine critic Robert Parker giving it a jaw-dropping eight perfect ratings. After trying the 2016 vintage, wine critic Wilfred Wong said, "There is only one Harlan. This wine, from one of the most magnificent wine properties in the world, once again stands on its own plateau."

Critics Scores

James Suckling

Fabulous floral aromas of currants, flowers, stones and rosemary stem. Purity. Full body with a fabulous backbone of chewy tannins with a gorgeous austerity. Elegance with power.

Wine Spectator

A powerful expression of Cabernet reminiscent of a young Ausone, this is dense, extracted, layered and nuanced, showing fresh earth and rocky soil notes. Once past the chewiness, the ripe currant, plum and wild berry flavors persist. Drink now through 2024.

Decanter

Damp earth, dried cassis and charcoal ember aromas. Immaculate balance on the palate, with deep, concentrated dark fruits that stop just shy of opulence. The rusticity of the vintage peers through this density, with flavours of dried sage and roasted plum. Charred, smoldering and brooding on the finish. As always with Harlan Estate, this is a wine of relative restraint and long-term focus, not a smashing powerhouse. Just beginning the second phase of what should be a long life.

Robert parker's Wine Advocate

More dense, tannic, complex and fuller-bodied thatn Harlan's 2011 The Maiden is the 2011 Harlan Estate. Its plum/purple color is followed by a sweet perfume of camphor, blackcurrants, lead pencil shavings, Christmas fruitcake and hints of forest floor and underbrush. Deep, round and generous with silky tannins and a forward, and evolved style.

Vinous

The 2011 Harlan Estate is super-expressive and textured in the glass. Dark red cherry, plum, spice and new leather open up as the wine sits in the glass. Decidedly mid-weight and gracious, the 2011 impresses for its exceptional balance and sense of proportion. Harlan Estate is capable of myriad of expressions. In 2011, the more feminine side of the property comes through. Although not a blockbuster, the 2011 is incredibly beautiful, especially considering how challenging the year was. (AG)