1995 Harlan Estate Proprietary Red
Buying options
Tasting notes
Magnum. 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, remainder: Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot. Mushrooms, fresh tobacco and wet earth on the nose are transformed into purple blossoms and exotic spices with air. The spiced/savoury combination persists through the palate paired with brambly fruits on a warm day showing intensity and a lot of persistence. There is a presence of oak spice throughout that is more apparent than in younger vintages but also works for the wine. A mouth-watering wash of acidity keeps the palate refreshed while the tannin is persistent and palate-cleansing yet powder-fine. (ECB)
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Robert Parker
More reviews and scores
From The Purple Notebook – California Dinner at Gidleigh Park. Looks much more evolved. Still deep. Fun, sweet, some dry oak too. Lots of alcohol. Very flattering to taste but I’m a bit worried by the oak. (JR)
Full saturated ruby. Knockout superripe nose of black plum, black raspberry, tobacco, minerals, brown spices and hot stones; distinct notes of torrefaction. Very dense and deep, with powerful backbone and great length on the palate. Like a great claret, the wine flavors go far beyond mere fruit. This is remarkably ripe for a California cab-based wine from this vintage, but has the spine for long development in bottle. (ST) 94+
About the producer
Harlan Estate is one of the Napa Valley’s most prestigious wine estates. It is one of a handful of cult Cabernet producers, whose wines are some of the most expensive and collectable in the region.