2018 Proprietary Red
By Harlan Estate
2018 Proprietary Red by Harlan Estate, a Marvel of America's Viticulture
The 2018 Proprietary Red from Harlan Estate marks a momentous year in the estate's history, embodying the tenacious spirit of American winemaking. An intricate mosaic of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and hints of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot signal the estate’s renwned blending prowess in this vintage.
Celebrating its Individualistic Character
A wine that is as much about its place as it is about its vintage, Harlan Estate has once again showcased their adept predictability under fluctuating conditions. The 2018 vintage impresses with its power and vibrancy, standing taller than its predecessors.
The ruby-hued pour sketches portraits of endless summer days, the ripe berries and luscious black cherries layering every sip. Hints of graphite intertwine, revealing the architect of Napa Valley terroir, creating an intimacy with the vineyard.
Challenging Viticultural Seasons, Divine Wine Variations
The climatic spectrum in 2018 was intense; a blend challenges milder weather at blossoming with hotter days closer to harvest, yet the wine’s finesse belies this struggle. Every challenge has resulted in an expression of rare elegance for the Harlan name.
2018 Proprietary Red illuminates why investments in fine wines from the USA are steadily rising – wines such as these make an unignorable statement on the global oenophile stage.
Lingering notes of dark chocolate round out the indulgent experience underlined by tea-like tannins that capture a rich texture etched by welcoming acidity. This is redolent of the harmonious balance we anticipate from Harlan Estate.
This vintage not only epitomises why the 2018 Proprietary Red is one of the best but also reinforces Harlan Estate's reputation as a steadfast standard-bearer for wines of exquisite depth and richness.
In summary, the 2018 Proprietary Red from Harlan Estate is poised to enhance the portfolios of discerning wine investors, leaving an indelible imprint on the annals of American viticulture. It’s not merely a wine; it’s an embodiment of terroir-meets-vintage narrative that continues to shape its rich legacy. Albuminous and dynamic, this is a wine that invites conversation, savouring and memory-making. A worthy exponent of its heritage, this red wine simply sings of its provenance.
Market price (USD)
$16,900.00
12x75cl
Highest score
98
POP score
768.89
Scores and tasting notes
The 2018 Harlan Estate was tasted as a barrel sample, to be bottled in March. Deep garnet-purple in color, it needs a fair bit of swirling to reveal a wonderfully fragrant perfume of blueberry pie, chocolate-covered cherries, mulberries and black currant pastilles with hints of cumin seed, rose oil and black olives. Medium to full-bodied, the taut, grainy-textured palate delivers remarkable energy with compelling tension and a long, graceful, earth-laced finish.
Lisa Perrotti-Brown - The Wine Advocate, 14 January 2021