2011 Harlan Estate

Description

2011 Harlan Estate

Home to some of the most sought-after Cabernet Sauvignon in America, Napa Valleys Oakville district stretches across the center of Napa’s valley floor and foothills between the Vaca and Mayacamas Mountains. This AVA is home to the legendary To Kalon Vineyard and Martha’s Vineyard, as well as many powerhouse wineries including Screaming Eagle, Silver Oak, Robert Mondavi, Opus One, Far Niente and Groth.

The climate is generally warm and agreeable, resulting in year after year of favorable vintages. Summer days see a gentle tug of war between warmer inland air and the cool air coming in from the San Pablo Bay, creating an ideal environment to grow red varieties. Oakville’s diverse soils, namely ancient sea bedrock, clay and gravel, are well-drained, and perfect for high-caliber viticulture.

Critical Acclaim

96 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.

96 Vinous

The 2011 Harlan Estate is a real stunner. Still fresh and vibrant, the 2011 is a magically beautiful wine. It is, naturally, more small-scaled. Crushed flowers, sweet red dry fruit, tobacco, cedar and mint notes are super classy. It’s fabulous achievement.

93 Wine Advocate

More dense, tannic, complex and fuller-bodied than 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.

93 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.