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Viinin Kuvailu
The Story
With the founding of Harlan Estate in 1984, we embarked upon our mission of creating a “first growth” of California. The estate’s early vineyard development began with just six acres. Today our planting is essentially complete, with nearly forty acres under vine to the classic varietals: cabernet sauvignon (70%), merlot (20%), cabernet franc (8%), and petit verdot (2%). Invariably, the finished wine is predominately cabernet sauvignon, which we blend with varying amounts of the other three varietals as we seek to express faithfully the unique and distinctive character of the site.
Modest quantities of wine were produced in 1987, 1988, and 1989 from grapes that represented the second, third, and fourth leaf of our estate vineyard. In each of those years a small number of barrels were produced in the hope of gaining a prescient glimpse into what the character of the land—never before cultivated—might have to offer. The wines were blended, bottled, and labeled with a special designation. Though charming in their own way, these first wines fell short of our standards and aspirations, so were never released. They continue to serve as humble reminders of where we began the journey.
Wine Information
2005
Above-average rainfall (38 inches) continued late into the growing season, delaying bloom and set.The balance of the season was truly cool, with only one day over 100° (and that was in June!) and 29 days over 90° for the balance of the season.
After waiting for—and achieving— ideal maturity, a dramatically compressed harvest began on September 30 and concluded
October 10. Average yield: 2.5 tons per acre.
tasting notes
Vivid, dense red color. Nose slightly subdued, then—with further airing—showing vibrant
blackberry, cassis, underlying earth, and forest floor. The 2005 is very concentrated, fleshy, and rich, with layers of complex flavors not often seen. The mid-palate texture is broad, dense, and
seemingly sweet. Still young and integrating, with time it should reach a beautiful harmony.
A very intriguing vintage. Yields were just slightly above average; the alcohols, slightly
lower and the acidity levels, slightly higher than we normally experience. Consequently the
wine shows a much-appreciated focus and freshness. Very nice today. Drink now to 30+ years.
Viinilasisuositus
Viinin keskihinta
| 2023 | 2020 | 2015 |
|---|---|---|
| 1 089€ +12.8% | 965€ +8.4% | 890€ |
This data comes from the FINE Auction Index, a composite of average prices for wines sold at commercial auctions in 20 countries. The average prices from each year have been collected since 1990. This chart plots the index value of the average price of the wines.
Not unexpectedly, the 2005 Harlan Estate performed slightly better than it did last year. As these wines often do, it continues to put on weight as it is bottled very late by Napa standards, and there is no fining or filtration. The 2005 exhibits a gorgeous thick-looking, ruby/purple color in addition to a beautiful nose of burning embers interwoven with creme de cassis, roasted meats, sweet black truffles, and spring flowers. A hint of lead pencil shavings also emerges from this cuvee, which seems to want to be both a Pauillac and a ripe vintage of La Mission Haut Brion. Full-bodied, dense, pure, and revealing sweeter tannin than I remember, it can be drunk now, but it will no doubt display even greater complexity in 10, 20, and 30 years. (RP) 
(12/ 2008)