Harlan 2010 is a red Bordeaux Blend produced from Oakville in Napa Valley, and is a wine produced by Harlan Estate from the grapes Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Sauvignon.
The 2010 growing season for California was a long one with somewhat cooler temperatures, a gray summer marked by alternating heat waves and heavy rains. This slow maturation process is fully evident in the glass. It features a deep color, flavors of ripe blackcurrants and blackberries, and a full-bodied profile that remains supple rather than heavy.
Bob Levy oversees winemaking here, producing wine from a terraced vineyard spanning approximately 17 hectares, where vines are planted closely together to keep yields per vine low. It was then aged exclusively in new French oak barrels for 24 months. To handle this level of new oak, the wine requires fruit flavors with this much depth.
It is recommended to decant for several hours. It will be at its best for enjoyment through 2048.
Robert Parker (98)
I wouldn’t be surprised to see the 2010 Harlan Estate inch closer to perfection over the next decade. Surprisingly supple for this vintage, while this cuvee is not usually that flamboyant or exuberant in its youth, the 2010 is sensual and performing remarkably well. Its deep purple color is accompanied by notions of charcoal, graphite, camphor, creme de cassis, barbecue smoke and blackberries. As usual, this complex effort reminds me of a hypothetical blend of a great Pauillac and Graves (such as La Mission Haut-Brion). Rich, full-bodied and softer than I would have expected in this vintage, it is a prodigious, multidimensional, compelling wine. It requires 3-5 years of bottle age and should drink well over the following 30+ years.
James Suckling (100)
Another perfect red with fabulous transparency and clarity in cabernet sauvignon character. Black currants and blackberries throughout. Full body, yet shows wonderful form and tension. Layered.
BOW (9)
