2009 Harlan Estate Proprietary Red
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Tasting notes
Magnum. 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, remainder: Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot. A bit more warmth, cocoa and spice to the overall profile here and broader brushstrokes to the presentation as well. There is a shift in the flavour profile where the blue, purple or black fruits that had been apparent in the younger vintages have begun to turn towards earthy elements, powdery exotic spices, cocoa and gunmetal – the first subtle hints of ageing. A bit of pepper emerges on the finish but remains pleasant. The 2009 vintage has a lot of strength to it and feels full of power, especially after the finer-boned vintages described above that succeeded it. There is a building and savoury presence that extends the finish. This will do well with waiting a bit before opening though you could drink it now alongside food. (ECB)
Critic scores
Average Score
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
Julia Harding MW, jancisrobinson.com
More reviews and scores
Stylistically, the 2009 Harlan Estate has quite a bit in common with the 2012, namely soft contours, plush fruit and tons of sheer immediacy. Now with a few years in bottle, the 2009 is just beginning to show the first signs of aromatic development. Deep, creamy and pliant, the 2009 can be enjoyed now, although it is sure to gain complexity over the next two decades. (AG)
Deep garnet colour. Vegetal, herbal and sweet on the nose – quite a mess, for me – underripeness and overripeness simultaneously, plus tacked on oak. (RH)
Since the technical sheet provides nothing more than tasting notes, I have no technical background on this wine. Intense dark fruit. Very tight and concentrated. Overripe and slightly stewed tasting. Going over into meat and marmite. Not quite porty but it is going that way. Then pretty tough on the palate. Highly extracted and oaked. I really would not want to drink this with dinner, even if I could afford to. Maybe it just needs a long time in bottle. (JH)
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.