1999 Harlan Estate, Napa Valley, USA

Harlan Estate was founded with Bill Harlan’s ambition to create a California “First Growth,” drawing its flagship wine from steep hillside vineyards in the western hills of Oakville, where Cabernet Sauvignon and other Bordeaux varieties grow in spare soils over fractured volcanic and sedimentary rock. The late 1999 harvest ran from September 28 through October 22 at very low yields, producing a dense but notably elegant expression of the estate. Cassis, black cherry, espresso, chocolate, mint, tobacco, forest floor, fig, and black olive unfold across a silky, focused palate with supple tannins and a long, savory finish. Harlan’s own retrospective notes emphasize the vintage’s concentration, elegance, and slightly wild complexity.

96 points -Wine Enthusiast
95 points -Vinous
95 points -Wine Spectator
94 points -Wine Advocate