2021 Harlan Estate Red Wine Napa Valley 750 ml

Situated on the lower slopes of the Mayacamas Mountains, Harlan Estate’s vineyards face out in all directions and sit on extremely thin, well-drained topsoil—from about a foot to just a few inches. The roots seek out the cracks and fissures in the fractured bedrock, where they struggle mightily but ultimately produce grapes with excellent character and concentration. Between the ancient, soft sandstone of the western part of the property and the harder and younger (relatively speaking) volcanic eastern ridge, Harlan Estate comprises a unique geologic mix that, although it produces grapes of unparalleled quality, might never be fully understood.

Harlan Estate began with a grand vision and a lofty goal—to produce a California First Growth from their Oakville terroir—and since the estate’s founding in 1984, they have far surpassed that original ambition. Robert Parker was smitten from the very first vintage, which he called “one of the most promising and profound Cabernet Sauvignon-based wines made in California.” 

It’s important not to let the uncompromising quality of Harlan Estate overshadow the fact that they are, in Antonio Galloni’s words, “without question, the most innovative winery in Napa Valley.” This is reflected in the 2021 bottling. A year prior, due to the challenging season, Winemaker Cory Empting and his team were forced to harvest early, lest they risk losing the entire crop. The resulting wine was fantastic, and it caused Empting and the team to reconsider their harvest protocols. 

With the 2021 vintage, they stuck to a relatively early harvest date, capturing energy and vibrancy in a wine that will renew your awe in one of the world’s great wineries.