This 2015 wine was a barrel sample, although the final blend has been done. It is due to be bottled in February 2018. Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2015 Harlan Estate leaps from the glass with vibrant red and black fruit notes, gorgeous crushed cherries, wild blueberries, mulberries and plums with hints of baking spices, lavender, bay leaves, yeast extract and forest floor. Full-bodied, rich, powerful and oh-so-seductive, it is packed with energy, sporting gorgeously fine-grained tannins and tons of fruit layers, finishing long and spicy. Around 1,600 cases will be bottled.

A barrel sample of the 2015 Harlan Estate promises to be a replay of the rather exotic, enormously fruity, exhilarating and decadent 2002 Harlan Estate. It has incredible sucrosity, richness, and that blackberry liqueur-like fruit intermixed with camphor and graphite. The wealth of fruit and glycerin in this full-bodied wine is mind-boggling, and it is actually probably going to be drinkable well before the slower maturing 2013.

Set in the western hills of Oakville, Harlan was founded in 1984 by H William Harlan and strives to be a ‘Californian first growth’. Deep ruby colour. Spicy and powerful on the nose, chock-full of ripe black fruits, cinnamon and vanilla. The palate is super-glossy, with polished tannins and fleshy cassis fruit at the core. The oak is toasty and sweet, but not over the top. Very refined and with great intensity, this is still a little firm on the long finish and will only improve with time. (TP)

Magnum. 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, remainder: Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot. The 2015 vintage is beautiful and delicious with a similar flavour profile to the 2016 but painted with far broader brushstrokes. There is a bit more exuberance to the aromatics, a bit more flesh to the palate. The wine overall feels warmer in comparison, with riper fruits and fuller flavours. But it also feels entirely expressive of vintage and nicely done. The structural balance carries the wine, offering a frame to the generous flavours. Oak is well integrated while a little more apparent than in the 2016. The only disadvantage of the 2015 is that it was tasted after a near-perfect vintage like 2016. The 2015 is a beautiful wine. (ECB)