2018 Harlan Estate

Half of all rain in 2018 came in March, April, and May. Budbreak was in early April, and the growing season was just idyllic, with temperatures in Oakville rarely exceeding 32°C. With 2018 we begin to see Harlan imprinting its wines with very fine points that it has learned and achieved and its nearly 40-year history. Everything is in focus here, with stunning layers of pure black and red-toned fruits, even blue fruits, full of expression and pitch, striking chords and colours in an expansive, full-bodied richness that bears a kind of weight and weightlessness. Underneath the ripe fruit expressions are elements of cedarwood, and Oakville moss, while the voluptuousness of the wine is framed by pixilated tannins, coiled-up acidity, and a finish that reveals earth, mineral, and a panoply of exotic brown spices—pure harmony. Drink from 2025 to 2060 and beyond. 99 points

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. 97-100 points