2019 The Maiden

Two thousand-twenty will likely go down a seminal vintage at Harlan Estate, Bond and Promontory. More than just a story of a single vintage, 2020 has set a new direction for these properties. The team led by Managing Director Will Harlan and Director of Winemaking Cory Empting faced the same challenges as everyone else, but the results aren’t the same. These are some of the very few 2020s I can call exceptional. The entire crop was harvested much earlier than usual, by necessity. Over time, the team was so happy with the wines that harvesting is now much earlier than it was in the past, but by choice.

I have written for many years that the Harlan Estate wines have been moving towards greater freshness. Two thousand-twenty is a big step in that direction. I also had a chance to revisit the 2012 and 2002, which is even more interesting in that while those wines were made during different eras, there is a recurring theme that connects the wines across time. Perhaps that is an expression of place, or of a house style, maybe both. But it is quite evident. Last but certainly not least, the bottled 2019s turned out beautifully.