Tasted from barrel, the 2019 Harlan Estate is relatively soft and open-knit. Lifted aromatics and silky tannins lend a fair amount of approachability. Crushed flowers, sweet bright red berry fruit, spice and orange peel linger. The 2019 is shaping up to be a real charmer. I have to think I caught it at an especially expressive state.

At a dinner at The Connaught, described by Harlan's Don Weaver as 'our spiritual home in London', the 2019, 2016, 2010, 2001, 1994 and 1992 were served. See my notes on the 2016 and 1994 that were also served at a masterclass the next day. Very deep, bright crimson – like the 2016. Very rich and dense with some forest freshness. Velvety texture and a considerable impact on the palate than ends with a dry finish. Cory Empting commented that at first this vintage was almost 'too luxurious' initially. (JR)

The head-spinning 2019 Harlan Estate is truly amazing stuff. Gentle cedar notes lead into layered dark chocolate and cassis, somehow impossibly rich yet savory. Full-bodied, concentrated and supple, this is dense, packed with flavor but seemingly weightless, with a lush, lingering finish that combines intensity with freshness to compel sip after sip. Like all truly great wines, it's full of somehow harmonious contradictions.