

Generously contributed by
Guggenheim
ESTIMATED VALUE $7,500
“THE 1997 HARLAN ESTATE IS ONE OF THE
GREATEST CABERNET SAUVIGNON BASED
WINES I HAVE EVER TASTED.”—ROBERT PARKER.
W
hen Bill Harlan purchased 230 acres in Napa Valley
in 1984, he clearly expressed his ambition to “create
a first growth wine.” Only 38 acres are cultivated with grape
varieties Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit
Verdot. Limited production, consistent acclaim from
Wine
Spectator
and Robert Parker— including four scores of 100!— have
cemented the wine’s “Cult” status.
Bidders take note: This is not
an easy wine to get your hands on.
A blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, with the rest Merlot
and Cabernet Franc, 1997 Harlan is enormously-endowed and
profoundly rich. Opaque purple in color, its soaring aromatics of
vanilla, minerals, coffee, blackberries, licorice, and cassis are down
right exuberant. In the mouth, layer after layer unfold powerfully
yet gently with the acidity, tannin, and alcohol in harmonious
balance.
100 points hardly seem adequate.
The elongated finish
goes on and on and the aging potential is unparalleled, making this
drinkable far into the 2030s.
LOT 7NAPA’S “FIRST GROWTH”
Harlan Estate 1997
NAPA VALLEY
6 bottles in original wooden case
57
LIVE AUCTION