2011 Harlan Estate, Harlan Estate, Napa Valley 1x750ml

Vinous 94

The 2011 Harlan Estate is super-expressive and textured in the glass. Dark red cherry, plum, spice and new leather open up as the wine sits in the glass. Decidedly mid-weight and gracious, the 2011 impresses for its exceptional balance and sense of proportion. Harlan Estate is capable of myriad of expressions. In 2011, the more feminine side of the property comes through. Although not a blockbuster, the 2011 is incredibly beautiful, especially considering how challenging the year was. [Antonio Galloni, 01/12/2014]

Anticipated maturity: 2015-2031

Robert Parker 92

Made in a soft, precocious, flattering style, the richly fruity 2011 Harlan Estate offers notes of toasty oak, red and black currant jam, no trace of herbaceousness or angularity, sweet tannins and a lush, heady, upfront mouthfeel. Drink this beauty over the next 12-15 years. (Not yet released) It is hard to believe but Bill Harlan’s beautiful estate in the lower hills of the Mayacamas Mountains on the western side of Napa has now made over twenty vintages. (I have mixed emotions, as I am old enough to remember them all.) The Maiden is always an impressive effort, but it is built to be drunk at an early age. www.harlanestate.com [10/31/2013]

Anticipated maturity: 2013-2028