1998 Harlan Estate Proprietary Red
Estimated value
Buying options
Tasting notes
Magnum. 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, remainder: Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot. The cool length of the 1998 vintage seems to lift from the glass here with notes of gunmetal and graphite wrapped through with lavender. Savoury porcini and meat juices wash through the mouth, with a surprisingly fresh element from the nose through the palate. Acidity here is bright and notable. The tannin character is a bit more grippy though also finely grained. There is just a bit of muskiness here as well. (ECB)
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Robert Parker
More reviews and scores
The 1998, which is a candidate for the "Wine of the Vintage," was produced from yields of 0.9 tons per acre. There are only 1,100 cases, and it is the first Harlan Estate to be composed of 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. A spectacular achievement, it boasts an opaque plum/purple color as well as a sumptuous nose of espresso, mineral, blueberry, blackberry, tobacco, licorice, Asian spice, and roasted meat smells. In the mouth, it is seamless, full-bodied, with an unctuous texture, gorgeously sweet tannin, and layer upon layer of concentration. This is a tour de force in winemaking. It is hard to believe that a wine such as this has emerged from 1998. Anticipated maturity: 2003-2030. Tel. (707) 844-1441; fax (707) 944-1444
The 1998, which is a candidate for the "Wine of the Vintage," was produced from yields of 0.9 tons per acre. There are only 1,100 cases, and it is the first Harlan Estate to be composed of 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. A spectacular achievement, it boasts an opaque plum/purple color as well as a sumptuous nose of espresso, mineral, blueberry, blackberry, tobacco, licorice, ||Asian spice, and roasted meat smells. In the mouth, it is seamless, full-bodied, with an unctuous texture, gorgeously sweet tannin, and layer upon layer of concentration. This is a tour de force in winemaking. It is hard to believe that a wine such as this has emerged from 1998. Anticipated maturity: 2003-2030. ||Tel. (707) 844-1441; fax (707) 944-1444 Wine Advocate.December, 2000
Saturated ruby. Roasted black raspberry, maple syrup and shoe polish on the nose. Very smooth, rich and lush; amazingly full and long for the vintage. Tannins are substantial but even and sweet. Most Napa wineries couldn't produce a wine like this even in a great year.
About the producer
Harlan Estate is one of the Napa Valley’s most prestigious wine estates. It is one of a handful of cult Cabernet producers, whose wines are some of the most expensive and collectable in the region.