Harlan Estate 2007

THE WINE ADVOCATE: "The prodigious 2007 Harlan Estate reminds me of a hypothetical blend of the 2002 with a touch of the controversial 1997. Dense plum/purple-colored with sweet aromas of barbecue smoke, blueberries, blackberries, cassis, licorice, hot rocks and subtle oak, it is a splendidly opulent, pure wine with a skyscraper-like texture as well as stunningly deep fruit that expands gracefully across the palate. The finish lasts nearly a full minute. Because of its overwhelming richness and sweet tannins, this brilliant wine seems to be approachable now, but I suspect further nuances and complexity will emerge after 4-5 years in the bottle. This wine will still be going strong at age 25-30. Like the offerings from its sister estate, Bond, these Harlan Estate offerings are uncompromisingly brilliant examples of Napa viticulture and winemaking at its finest. Kudos to proprietor Bill Harlan."

THE WINE CELLAR INSIDER: "Incredibly deep in color. The next thing you notice is the pungent aromas of truffle, coffee bean, blackberry jam, blue fruit, black cherry, spice box, caramel, chocolate and smoke. In the mouth, the wine coats your palate with waves of silky, pure fruit that fills every nook and cranny of your palate. Everything is perfectly balanced. This stunning expression of Harlan Estate is effortless is to drink. If you have the funds and the desire to experience California Cabernet Sauvignon at its decadent best, this is perfection in a glass."

JAMES SUCKLING: "Heavy aromas of sweet tobacco, coffee, ripe fruits, violets, and dried flowers. Full bodied, and very, very powerful. This is muscular yet agile. The finish is subtle and fruity, with minerals, mint, and currants. A blockbuster. Keep your hands off this until 2016."

WINE SPECTATOR: "Intense and a bit rustic, with complex loamy earth, dried currant, black licorice, mocha, roasted herb, porcini and toasty oak. Full-bodied and balanced, deep, focused and persistent, ending with pebbly, minerally notes and firm tannins. To be released spring 2011. Best from 2012 through 2024. 1,370 cases made."

JANCIS ROBINSON: "A bit more apparent bottle age emerges here in the 2007 vintage. Aromatics range from dried roses to warmed bramble fruits. On the palate, they are layered together with tobacco leaf and a bit of pepper, graphite and dusty earth notes. However, all is quite subtle for the 2007 vintage currently: the aromatics are a bit subdued and the palate is a bit understated. It is perhaps in an introspective phase and will open up again in a few years. The tannin is supple and fine, and is set alongside plenty of fresh acidity and length."