Deep garnet-black colour going brick at the rim. Alluring aromas of warm blackcurrant, eucalyptus, cloves and a sprinkling of Chinese five-spice. A dense, full bodied palate packed with emerging layers of intense dark berry, dried herb and spice flavours. Crisp acidity and fine, firm tannins provide seamless structure, in balance with the concentration of flavours. Very, very long finish with some minerality coming through at the end. Just beginning to drink now, should continue to evolve to 2025+. Tasted November 2008.

One of the highlights in this tasting, the 2001 Harlan Estate is simply majestic. Powerful, explosive and dense, the 2001 soars out of the glass with an exotic mélange of aromas, flavors and textures that grabs hold of all the senses. The 2001 is an especially virile, potent Harlan Estate that will drink well for 20 years or more. Today it is very impressive. Two thousand one was current winemaker Cory Empting ‘s first vintage at Harlan Estate.

Saturated ruby. Superripe yet cool aromas of black raspberry, kirsch, licorice and menthol. Remarkably sweet on entry, then impressively firm in the middle, with great depth of flavor and a chewy, saline impression of extract. Boasts the great sucrosity of the year's best examples, with the mouth coverage of the planet's greatest wines. The fine-grained, suave tannins coat every millimeter of the palate. Carrying 15.6% alcohol, but at this point the wine seems considerably less port-like than the massive '97. Certainly one of the greatest young California wines I've yet tasted.

Tasting through the 2001 Harlan Estate cuvees of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Cabernet Sauvignon, it is clear this vintage is far superior to both 1999 and 2000. The wine possesses a saturated purple color as well as exceptional levels of concentration, seamless acidity, tannin, and alcohol, extraordinary persistence on the palate (close to 50 seconds), and an unctuous, thick texture oozing with glycerin, fruit, and flavor. This promises to be a spectacular Harlan Estate. At this infantile stage of development, it is comparable to a hypothetical blend of the great 1991, 1994, and 1997. It should be awesome, with the potential to age for three decades. The objective at Harlan is simple ... low yields, ripe fruit, no razzle dazzle in terms of fermentation, a natural upbringing, and bottling without clarification. The final blend is typically made later than most California estates, hence my 2001 notes on the proprietary red represent a composite view after tasting through cuvees of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Cabernet Sauvignon, although there is no question that at least 80% of the final blend will be Cabernet Sauvignon. (Release date 4/05) Tel. (707) 944-1441; Fax (707) 944-1444

Magnum. 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, remainder: Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot. The aromatics are subtle and layered, followed by a beautiful, detailed and nuanced palate. The 2001 is a standout vintage with great complexity of lavender and violet, exotic spices, pleasing earth and graphite elements, and a tobacco accent. Tannin is powdery fine while persistent, giving a pleasing mouthfeel that is well balanced with elegant length. This wine is detailed, elegant while also powerful, mouth-watering and delicious. Give this plenty of time and savour it. (ECB)

Winemaker Cory Empting's first vintage. 'A phenomenal year', according to him. He told of his initial interview when he couldn't make it up the steep hill in his car because it wasn't four-wheel drive. 'So I had to walk the last bit for an interview that changed my life.' Deep crimson with a slightly evolved rim. Fragrant and spicy. Big and muscular with obvious sweetness and some balsam perfume, Attention-grabbing! (JR)