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.

Vivid and captivating from the very first taste, the 2012 Harlan Estate is insanely beautiful. Mocha, espresso, savory herbs and spices emerge from the breathtaking, intensely aromatic bouquet in a stunningly beautiful delineated wine that represents the height of total finesse. The silky, layered finish is a thing of beauty, even with all of its richness, the 2012 is never heavy. That is partly the vintage, but also the result of a gradual but at the same time clear evolution towards more finesse and less brute power.

(this wine had been racked to tank on the morning of my visit): Full, bright ruby. Superripe, slightly high-toned aromas of cassis, blackberry and licorice, with a brightening note of minerality. Silky, dense and large-scaled but extremely primary and imploded, showing outstanding cut and lift to its dark berry and mineral flavors. A juicy minty note gives additional lift to this seriously plush, concentrated wine. Finishes with huge but noble tongue-saturating tannins and outstanding length. Great potential here.

Magnum. Deep glowing crimson. Tamarind nose and big, pretty tough tannic grip. 2012 is in theory a big, opulent, warmer year than 2013 and 2013 is supposed to have a bit more structure, but there is masses of tannin in this! And the sweetness is a tad to obvious for my palate. (JR)