2021 Harlan Estate Meritage Napa Valley

JS100 The aromas are subtle yet enticing with lavender and rose petal notes. So aromatic and perfumed. Lots of currants and hints of spearmint. Chanel No. 5? Medium-bodied with super fine tannins that run the length of the wine with crunchy tannins that are energetic and vivid. It grows and grows and turns almost flamboyant. Goes on for minutes with a compressed and vibrant finish. Mostly cabernet sauvignon with some cabernet franc and a tiny percent of merlot and petit verdot. Drink it now to love and understand the potential. But it will age beautifully. Try after 2030.
TWI100 The 2021 Harlan Estate is composed of over 80% Cabernet Sauvignon plus a little Cabernet Franc and just a splash of Merlot. Deep garnet-purple in color, it slowly emerges from the glass with an alluring perfume of violets, wild blueberries, Morello cherries, and iron ore leading to a profound core of blackcurrant jelly, licorice, fragrant soil, and black truffle. The medium to full-bodied palate delivers a beguiling paradox of super-soft tannins and tightly knit black, red, and blue fruit layers, finishing with jaw-dropping grace and poise.
VIN98+ The 2021 Harlan Estate has developed beautifully over the last year. A stunning wine, the 2021 is layered and caressing, with exceptional balance. Now that the Harlan team is picking earlier, my perception is that there is more development that takes place over the course of aging than in the past. This remains a very young wine today. Its energy, vibrancy and overall freshness suggest it will enjoy a long life. Impressive.
JD97 The 2021 Harlan Estate was bottled in March of 2024 and is a classic blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Petit Verdot. It’s another Bordeaux look-alike with a Pauillac-like character in its darker currants, smoky oak, black cherries, graphite, and violet-driven aromatics. Beautifully balanced on the palate, it has medium to full-bodied richness, a layered mouthfeel, and outstanding length. While it’s clearly in this estate’s new, fresher style, it doesn’t lack anything and is concentrated, beautifully balanced, has ripe yet building tannins, and I suspect 20-30 years of prime drinking.