Harlan Estate Red 2012 Oakville

Finally available is the much anticipated 2012 vintage of Harlan Estate. Like the true perfectionist that vintner Bill Harlan is, this Oakville western hills estate released its 1990 as its first vintage. They did produce a few years of wines prior to the ’90 but the Harlan team didn’t think at the time that those wines stood up to what they considered to be their highest standard. Twenty-six years later, Harlan is still as exacting since their inception and this 2012 is evidence of that thanks to their winemaking team led by director of winemaking Bob Levy, winemaker Cory Empting and vineyard manager Mary Maher.

“The 2012 Harlan Estate is reminiscent of their 2002. Probably a candidate for perfection with another 4-5 years of bottle age, the wine is inky plum/purple to the rim and offers a gorgeous nose of scorched earth, blackberry and cassis, forest floor, and a floral, lavender-like component followed by deep, opulent, majestic flavors that caress the palate with high but sweet tannin. This is relatively evolved, and supple and voluptuous for a young Harlan estate – hence the comparison with their compelling 2002. This wine can be drunk in several years and is likely another candidate for 30-50 years of cellaring.” 99+ Points, Wine Advocate.