Harlan Estate 1996 is the second commercial release from Harlan Estate, the Oakville cult Cabernet grown on the hillsides above the Napa Valley Oakville bench, bottled in 1.5L magnum format.
About This Wine
Harlan Estate is H. William Harlan Napa Valley estate on the western hills of Oakville, planted to Bordeaux varieties and first released commercially with the 1990 vintage. The estate is known for blending Cabernet Sauvignon with Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, ageing in French oak and releasing only after extended bottle ageing. The 1996 is a member of the early Harlan run that established the estate reputation for structured, age-worthy California Cabernet. Magnum format suits the extended cellaring this style of wine rewards.
Tasting Profile
- Nose: Mature dark fruit, cedar, tobacco leaf, dried herb and graphite.
- Palate: Layered and structured, with blackcurrant, sweet oak, savoury earth and resolved tannins.
- Finish: Persistent, dry and mineral, with classic Harlan structure.
Serving & Food
Stand the bottle upright so any deposit can settle, then pour gently and taste before deciding on air. Slow-braised short ribs suit the wine mature, savoury register.
How to Enjoy
Open for a serious library tasting where mature 1996 Harlan Estate character can lead the discussion.
Product Details
Producer: Harlan Estate
Wine: Proprietary Red
Region: Oakville, Napa Valley, California
Vintage: 1996
Country: United States
Volume: 1.5L Magnum
About the Winery
Harlan Estate is a single-owner Napa Valley estate on the western Mayacamas slopes above Oakville, founded by H. William Harlan and first planted in 1984. The estate makes a Bordeaux-influenced Proprietary Red, first released commercially from the 1990 vintage, alongside its second wine, The Maiden. Production is deliberately small and the wine is allocated rather than freely traded.