2011 Harlan Meritage

Saturated bright ruby. Precise aromas of urgent crushed blackcurrant, licorice and violet. Densely packed but very tightly coiled today, communicating a powerful impression of brooding energy in the way of a young Latour. At once imploded and smooth, showing superb precision to its black fruit and mineral flavors. Less expressive today than the line-up of Bond wines but this firmly tannic vintage of Harlan Estate has the spine and energy for a slow and graceful evolution in bottle. May ultimately merit an even higher score.