Harlan Estate   Proprietary Red

2008 Proprietary Red

By Harlan Estate

The 2008 Proprietary Red from Harlan Estate

In the pantheon of American viticulture, a standout exemplar is unquestionably the 2008 Proprietary Red crafted by Harlan Estate. At the heart of Napa Valley, this paragon of perfection illustrates the power and finesse that underlines Californian fine wines and fortifies its hallmark position in the wine investment space.

 

A Dance Between Power and Elegance

Harlan Estate's formidable reputation is proficiently validated with the 2008 vintage. This succulent and harmonious offering is a testament to an exceptional year in which weather variables conspired to orchestrate an unforgettable blend. It marries audacious notes of blackcurrant, cedar and graphite with a charming undertone of sage and rosemary, creating an exhilarating medley that captures both the intellectual stimulation of fine red wines and the sensorial delight expected from USA's finest.

 

A Tapestry of Ideal Conditions

The year 2008 in Napa Valley was one for the annals, thanks to moderate summer temperatures followed by a dry September that allowed for optimal ripening conditions. Fortunately for us, these climatic conditions have been flawlessly captured in this vintage, turning every sip into a reminiscent experience of that year's serene tranquillity infused artistically into each bottle.

This amalgam enables the 2008 Proprietary Red from Harlan Estate to unfurl its full majesty, painting a vivid image of ripe dark fruits flanked by whispers of spice-infused oak. Finely grained tannins add structure and longevity to this red wonder that teeters on the sublime cusp between power and elegance, resonance and subtlety.

The caliber of this Californian gem makes it an investable asset for serious oenophiles. The 2008 Proprietary Red from Harlan Estate serves not only as a boon to the sensory indulgence of any wine enthusiast but also as a testament to the unmitigated potential vested in the fine wines from USA.

Current market price

£11,530.00

12x75cl

Highest score

96

POP score

720.63

Scores and tasting notes

96

Espresso, mocha, dark red berries, rose petals and spices are some of the many notes that emerge from the 2008 Harlan Estate. The wine fleshes out beautifully in the glass as it shows off its class and true pedigree. This is a decidedly ripe, forward vintage, but in exchange the wine will drink well right out of the gate. Anticipated maturity: 2016-2028. Vintages 2008 and 2009 are totally different in character at Harlan Estate. In 2008 the two wines are also quite far apart stylistically, while in 2009 the wines are much more closely linked. The 2010s I tasted from barrel were all raciness and pure excitement. Readers may want to take a look at my video interview on www.erobertparker.com with Bill Harlan in which Harlan discusses Promontory, his newest project. Tel. (707) 944-1441

Antonio Galloni - The Wine Advocate, 22 December 2011

Vintage performance