Espresso, mocha, dark red berries, rose petals and spices are some of the many notes that emerge from the 2008 Harlan Estate. The wine fleshes out beautifully in the glass as it shows off its class and true pedigree. This is a decidedly ripe, forward vintage, but in exchange the wine will drink well right out of the gate.

Full ruby-red. Pure, mineral-driven aromas of plum, licorice and flowers. Creamy and plush yet at the same time vibrant and penetrating; a real essence of floral, minerally cabernet in the mouth but a baby today. Most impressive on the subtle, mounting finish, which features noble tannins and outstanding persistence. This will be splendid, but give it eight years of bottle aging.

Magnum. 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, remainder: Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot. The bottle notes of ageing have begun to appear here showing delicious tobacco-leaf flavours accented by powdery floral and earthy elements. It is an intriguing perfume that carries nose through palate. There is nice integration here though also a bit less complexity overall. With pleasing savoury presence and a long, lightly grippy finish, this wine is drinking beautifully. (ECB)