Harlan Estate   Proprietary Red

2013 Proprietary Red

By Harlan Estate

2013 Proprietary Red by Harlan Estate, Napa Valley, USA

The 2013 Proprietary Red from Harlan Estate symbolises a prodigious fusion of nature's bounty and human skill, breathing richness and depth into the vibrant panorama of fine wines from USA. Bay leaf, coffee, new leather, spice and red fruit confer a complex, highly nuanced array of aroma.

 

Distinguishing Vintage - A Deft Balance of Vigor and Age

A vintage that is lauded for its continuity in providing a climate beneficial to the growth of Cabernet Sauvignon, 2013 bestowed upon us wines of incredible intensity and longevity. Ideal ripening conditions allowed for purity of fruit and exceptional concentration.

The 2013 Proprietary Red from Harlan Estate undoubtedly embodies these attributes to an impressive extent, layered with intricately woven deep blackberry equilibrated by subtle lift of earthiness.

 

Investing in the Distinctive – Yielding Diversity

Investors eyeing niche opportunities within the arena of prestigious wines from the USA will find this vintage a compelling proposition. Harlan's flagship wine has commendably weathered the challenging topographical variations inherent to Californian vineyards.

This vintage offers longevity to its discerning possessors, justifying its standing among high-scoring US wines. With a propensity for rewarding patient wait with uncorking joyous revelations years on, this investment promises dividends both in monetary value and sensory delight.

 

Wrapping up – The Confluence of Elegance and Strength

Unveiling layers of ripe currants balanced by tones of savory herbaceousness on the palate, the 2013's maturity resonates with velvety tannins portraying sophisticated succulence. Its silk-gloved power is artfully contained, pouring out gracefully into a long, composed finish.

The 2013 Proprietary Red from Harlan Estate prevails as one of the grandest symphonies crafted in the stage set by the drastic swing of highs and lows of 2013. Courting encapsulating charm with robust resilience, it invites wine investors seeking to diversify their portfolio of fine wines from USA.

Current market price

£15,160.00

12x75cl

Highest score

100

POP score

758

Scores and tasting notes

100

As I predicted last year, the 2013 Harlan Estate is one of their all-time greats, although they have had many of them, starting with the 1991, followed by 1994, 1995, 1997 (although controversial in some circles), 2001, 2002, 2005, 2007, 2010 and 2012. This great first-growth property, with aspirations to produce the finest Cabernet Sauvignon-based wine made in the New World, has given us a wine that has it all in 2013. Dense purple to the rim, with notes of espresso, white chocolate, mocha, blackberry, cassis, and cedar wood, the wine is full-bodied, opulent, but also structured, pure and incredibly long (well past a minute aftertaste). It is probably closest in personality and overall character to the compelling 2001, which is still a youthful wine at age 15. Drink it over the next 50+ years.

Robert Parker Jr - The Wine Advocate, 28 October 2016

Vintage performance