Lot 47
Vertical Horizons

15 – 1.5 Liter Vertical of Harlan Estate (1990 to 2004)

Bill Harlan experimented for years before releasing Harlan Estate Proprietary Red Wine in the 1990 vintage. Relatively unknown at the time due to its small production, this now legendary winery landed squarely in the spotlight in 1994 when Robert Parker, Jr. first tasted its early vintages. His prediction was that Harlan would create a frenzy among wine enthusiasts. The accuracy of Parker’s prediction is undeniable, as each vintage now sells out immediately to the fortunate few on its mailing list. Having had both the benefit of hindsight and several additional vintages, Parker now unequivocally states; “Harlan Estate may be the single most profound wine made, not just in California, but in the world.”

A Bordeaux style blend, Harlan Estate crafts world class wines from a steep hillside vineyard overlooking the legendary Martha’s Vineyard. Production during its early years was miniscule, growing slowly to its current level of a scant 2,500 cases. Bottles from early vintages, before their collectible nature was common knowledge, are rare finds. Finding one, let alone all, in Magnums would be a singular occasion, and that occasion is the Naples Winter Wine Festival.

The relative anonymity of the early years does not mean that the wines were any less than stunning. The 1991 has everything you want; a remarkably rich, full-bodied and layered wine that garnered a 98-point score. Similarly, the expansive 1992 earned 96 points for its exquisite richness and complexity. While already in the top echelon of California wines, Harlan attained perfection in subsequent vintages, with an astounding run between 1994 and 1997 where it averaged over 99 points. Moving from strength to strength, it has also achieved the rare distinction of back-to-back perfect wines with its 2001 and 2002 vintages.

The dynasty in progress at Harlan continues to redefine perfection with each successive vintage. Over a lifetime, one might hope to taste all of these wines. Today, they could all be yours, from the rare early gems through the recent blockbusters.

DONORS: Patti & George Wagner