Harlan Estate Napa Valley 2013 1.5L

100 points Robert Parker: "As I predicted last year, the 2013 Harlan Estate is one of their all-time greats, although they have had many of them, starting with the 1991, followed by 1994, 1995, 1997 (although controversial in some circles), 2001, 2002, 2005, 2007, 2010 and 2012. This great first-growth property, with aspirations to produce the finest Cabernet Sauvignon-based wine made in the New World, has given us a wine that has it all in 2013. Dense purple to the rim, with notes of espresso, white chocolate, mocha, blackberry, cassis, and cedar wood, the wine is full-bodied, opulent, but also structured, pure and incredibly long (well past a minute aftertaste). It is probably closest in personality and overall character to the compelling 2001, which is still a youthful wine at age 15. Drink it over the next 50+ years. Drink: 2016-2066. (Oct 2016)"

100 points Antonio Galloni (Vinous): "The 2013 Harlan Estate is flat-out stunning. Dark, ample and explosive, with tremendous freshness, the 2013 has aged spectacularly. Black cherry, plum, chocolate, spice, espresso, leather and new oak infuse the 2013 with captivating depth. The 2013 shows just how much the Harlan house style has evolved in less than a decade. Drink: 2023-2043. (May 2024)"

100 points James Suckling: "This is really sensational with such precision and focus. Glorious aromas of tar, graphite, blackcurrants, and blackberries. Full-bodied, very tight, and reserved. Phenomenal tannic structure that is supple and wonderful. This new classicism makes me speechless. It's pure pleasure. You can drink it now, but it's built for aging. (9/13/16)"

100 points Falstaff: "Dark ruby garnet colour with purple reflections, delicate brightening on the rim. Sweet precious wood with fine notes of caramel in the background, fine fruit, full of cassis, blackberries and black cherries, candied orange zest, multi-faceted and multi-layered bouquet. Very complex and juicy, elegant body, sweet fruit, ripe, firm tannins, dark berries on the finish, light hints of cassis, dark cherries, mineral and fresh on the finish, already shows a harmonious overall picture, very seductive despite its youth. (Mar 2020)"

100 points Jeff Leve (The Wine Cellar Insider): "Kicking off with a hint of oak, smoke, which quickly morphs to its lush, sensuous, powerful, full bodied approach. The wine builds and expands in your mouth and keeps going. When you return to the wine, you find an intriguing citrus, orange blossom note hidden in the background that adds to the continually expanding levels of complexity. This must remain with you for more than 60 seconds. But this is no shy wine. It is powerful, concentrated, complex and needs time to really come together. (Sep 2016)"

98 points Jonathan Cristaldi (Decanter): "The second consecutive drought year for Napa, it ushered in a warm, dry spring with early bud break in the month of April. A warm, windy season encouraged vines to develop smaller berries with thicker skins, and this is evident in the tannins structure of this wine, which also benefitted from a touch less new oak—as will be the case with subsequent vintages from this point onward. Tasted at the decade marker, it is in an absolutely pitch-perfect place, having just shed its ripe, juicy, and youthful fruit profile in favour of more dried and current characteristics, with secondary nuances just beginning to creep in and reveal currant leaf, tobacco, and sandalwood. Brawny, fine-grained tannins framed an energetic wine while exotic brown spices, earth, and truffle notes only tease at the joy to come—it may perhaps close down briefly to reveal itself and all the glory of the excellent vintage closer to 2030. To be enjoyed well beyond. Drinking Window: 2023-2040. (6/10/23)"

19.5/20 points Elaine Chukan Brown (JancisRobinson.com): "Magnum. 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, remainder: Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot.Let me confess up front that I am an enormous fan of the 2013. The structural presence and precision of this wine is impressive. The wine should age extremely well although it needs more time in bottle. If one does open it now, allow plenty of air and a cut of steak with a bit of fat to help open up the tannin profile and release the flavours of the wine. A beautiful mix of elements on the nose carries into the palate with ripe, dark fruits accented by a red-fruit lift sprinkled with spice, and nicely grounded by gunmetal and earth notes. There is just a bit of pepper through the close. Beautifully hearty tannin and a lot of length. An entirely distinctive vintage. Drinking Window: 2030-2055. (3/11/20)"