2012 Harlan Estate

Community Tasting Notes (58) Avg Score: 97.0 points

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  3/28/2024 - MariusA Likes this wine: 95 Points

  Opened next to ‘12 Screaming Eagle to compare and contrast.
  It hard to argue against the fruit and structure of the Harlan wines. My first encounter with Harlan also remains one of my greatest wine moments (‘94 vintage at a restaurant in Wilmington, DE in 1999). That being said, the ‘12 is not my favorite vintage for this stellar wine. The tannins are a bit “dusty” and the wine just never comes together into harmony. By all means - it’s still a delicious, fruit forward wine with an intensity few others can match, but it’s just not stellar like you expect from Harlan.
  The ‘12 Screaming Eagle was the WOTN for me and most others (including fkacondor).

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  3/8/2024 - Bordeaux_Jon Likes this wine: 94 Points

  From a rare half bottle. Haven’t had many Harlans. This 2012 was significantly better than a 2011 I had 5 years ago which just tasted like a French oak barrel. For a younger Cab, it was surprisingly elegant with dare I say some minerality. I’m far more a Bordeaux fan than California, so that elegance is a big plus. You wouldn’t confuse this with Bordeaux though with such hedonistic sweet fruit.
  
  This wine more than prior Harlan was very reminiscent of Bond wines particularly in terms of the moderately toasty oak, more like medium than dark roast coffee. But, the fruit ripeness of Harlan for me makes it preferable to Bond which always tastes weedy to me. Perhaps the blend of Bordeaux varietals is additive to the richness.
  
  My wife enjoyed it but question why it should cost more than a Bordeaux first growth when the big 5 taste more complex and sophisticated. Also, we agreed a mid-priced Napa like Phelps Insignia delivers a comparable experience. I don’t see the complexity I expect for forking down all the 💵💵💵. Regardless, I’m thrilled to have an opportunity to try this. Life is grand!

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  1/20/2024 - aquacongas wrote: 97 Points

  blind
  A powerful Cali Cab but style wise very similar to a modern Bordeaux but still more lush fruit. Some spicieness in the finish. One hour of decantation. 97

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  11/11/2023 - polearyloveswine Likes this wine: 98 Points

  Saved best for last bottle of evening( following Pritchard Hill Chappellett 2015) this was just a beauty - complex but smooth and lingering on the palette; I must confess first time I have enjoyed Harlan Estate and at the moment a bit speechless as this was everything and then some.

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  2/15/2023 - peter.mancell@mfg.com.au Likes this wine: 99 Points

  Simply a magnificent wine experience.
  Massive brooding dark fruit, glorious glycerine like texture and smooth as silk.
  A genuine tour de force.
  Parker rating absolutely spot on and for me, super close to perfection.

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