Wine Advisor
Harlan, Proprietary Red 2022
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Description
Tasting notes
Reviewed by: Joe Czerwinski
In stark contrast to the vintages on either side of it, the 2022 Harlan Estate is forward and charming, silky and fluid on the palate. Floral notes again lead the way, backed by ripe cherries and cassis, plus a slightly leafy notion. Medium-bodied, like the 2023, it comes across as much easier to drink in its youth, charming and beguiling, with a softly tannic finish. I would not be surprised to see it age beautifully, like some of those Bordeaux vintages that were deemed too soft to last but that have just continued to show well throughout their lives.
About the Producer
The land at Château Harlan is unique in that the vineyards are situated on hillsides that are well drained and rise and fall with the slopes. The first 9.7 hectares of vineyard, planted between 1986 and 1987, was planted in a staggered manner, as the two small plots that make up the vineyard are located on either side of the hillside. The vines were planted with 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot. The vineyards are planted at varying densities, with half of the vineyards planted with 1,750 vines per hectare and the other half with 5,500 vines per hectare. The high quality of Château Hallam's wines is a result of the meticulousness of the entire winemaking process. The winemaking philosophy at Château Hallam is to preserve the natural flavour of the grapes and to take a gentle approach to the growing and fermentation process. The barrels in the winery are all new French oak barrels. The main wine, Harlan Estate Proprietary Red, is aged in barrel for 25 months, while the unselected wine is bottled after 10 months as a secondary wine, The Maiden, without filtration or clarification. The wines of Château Hallam are dark in colour, fruity and floral, with strong, restrained tannins and a firm, robust texture, and have the potential to age for at least 20 years. Best vintages include: 1991, 1996, 1997, 2001, 2002, 2004 and 2007.
