A 2005 vintage comparison of Harlan Estate vs. Opus One could not be more exciting! These two powerhouse estates are practically neighbors with Martha’s Vineyard separating Harlan Estate from plots of Opus One on the western side of Oakville and to try their wines from the long growing season of 2005 was a terrific, thought and palate provoking experience!
Most aromatic- 2005 Opus One, straight from the bottle, the aromas were alive and explosive! Bright black berries, black currant and sweet baking spice jumped out of the glass while the Harlan was more reserved, more serious and grave.
On the Palate- Once again, straight from opening, the Opus One was ready to roll. Black fruits were rich, ripe and opulent; the florals were plush; the spices were pleasingly round and sweet; and the minerals were beautifully softened. On the opposite spectrum, each flavor component in Harlan Estate was intense! From fruit and floral to spice and earth, each flavor was on high gear, nearly fighting to get the most attention. Concentrated, preserved black fruits in the Harlan with dense spices, licorice, crushed black pepper, dark chocolate, leather and chunks of gravel.
Textures and Structure- Both wines were completely mouthcoating, yet Harlan showed a much more masculine profile with gripping tannins and a sturdy backbone. It was a stunning showing last week but this baby could probably go another ten years. Even though the Opus One boasted a powerful structure, it had more of a velvety approach with ripe, sweet tannins. It can definitely go longer, but I think right now it is alive and awake, showing at the perfect spot.
Most complexity- Somewhat reserved upon opening, the ’05 Harlan took some time (4 hours) to fully express itself. But once the wine opened up, the integration of fruit to earth to spice was sophisticated and profound. This is one complex, multidimensional and very compelling bottle, with layer after layer opening and closing a new flavor to experience as it continued to blossom in the glass. Not to say that the Opus One did not have multiple layers in itself, the Opus was just more approachable with brighter flavors and textures that made it too easy to go down.
On the Finish- Both of these powerful Cabernets had great length but for me Harlan Estate’s finish was most haunting with its powerful black fruit and smoke lingering longer than the Opus. Just as its open, the Opus One finished with generous, luxurious fruit, soft leather and plush spices.
Overall, both wines are stunning Cabernets that are not to be missed!
