Arlanza is a tiny wine producing region in Spain that is one of the freshest regions that has been labeled DO status. This lush region produces quality wines, although it is small in size. In 2007, the region was given the upgrade, although wine is said to have been produced in the region ever since the 7th century. It is said that the first recorded evidence of winemaking in the region is in the 12th century by monks who bought the vineyards in the region. In the late part of the 1800s, disease ravaged the vines, and the grapes had to be replanted. Soon after, the vines flourished. The region’s name comes from the Arlanza River, which snakes through this Spanish region.
The climate is hot and dry in the summer and is cold during the winter, and gives wines here their signature flavor. The Arlanza region sits in Burgos, Castile, Leon, and Palencia regions of Spain and there are currently 11 wineries in the region. Several varieties are planted in the region and the region has a yield limit for these varieties—giving roughly 10,000 kg for white wine grape types and around 7,000 for red wine grape types. Since the region is small, the lowest number of vines that can be planted is 2,000 vines.
All older vintage wines have been purchased from a single collectors cellar. Pictures can be requested before shipment.
The Grand Vin is the 2017 Harlan Estate, and this beauty just about jumps from the glass with its pure cassis and blackcurrant fruits as well as notes of tobacco, graphite, crushed stone, and spice. With a full-bodied, expansive mouthfeel, building, velvety tannins, and a layered, seamless style that offers way more pleasure than just about every other wine in the vintage, bottles can be enjoyed any time over the coming 20-25 years.
- Jeb Dunnuck 97 Points
The 2017 Harlan Estate is superb. Deep, inky and wonderfully expressive, the 2017 is impeccably rendered. All the elements come together effortlessly. The nervous tannins of the vintage are evident, but there is also plenty of sumptuousness. Time in the glass brings out a whole range of red-toned fruit and floral notes that are surprising for a year with massive heat spike. The 2017 is polished and sophisticated to the core. In a word: impressive.
-- Antonio Galloni - 96+ Points
Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2017 Harlan Estate needs a little coaxing to reveal captivating iron ore, red currant jelly, cloves and crushed rocks scents with a core of warm cassis, Black Forest cake and boysenberries plus a waft of pencil lead. Medium to full-bodied, it has a firm, grainy texture with a lively backbone and loads of earthy layers, long and mineral laced. This should be one of the longer-lived wines coming out of the 2017 vintage.
"2018 had a certain sense of ease to it," Bill Harlan said as we tasted the barrel sample of the next iteration of this iconic label. "The pace was wonderful." "Mother nature was allowing us an extended runway," winemaker Cory Empting agreed. "We just started picking and couldn’t stop."
-Wine Advocate 97+ Points
This is fully loaded, with waves of dense yet succulent blackberry, black currant and fig preserves that move along steadily, pulling roasted apple wood, dark bay leaf, espresso cream and humus notes along. A bolt of cast iron emerges through the finish, remaining well-encased in the fruit and adding prodigious length and stability. A fairly tremendous wine, especially considering the vintage. Best from 2022 through 2040. 2,040 cases made.
-Wine Spectator 97 Points
Corne Loup Cotes du Rhone Rouge is made from 50% Grenache, 40% Syrah and 10% Mourvedre.
Color: dark red ruby.
Aromas: red berries, truffles and spices.
Flavors: complex and rich. It shows red and black fruits, with an herbal spice type of aromas coming from the surrounding vegetation (Garrigue).
The average age of the vines is 40 years. (The oldest vines are 80 years old). Yield: 40 hl/ha The soil is mainly sandy marl and small pebble stones.
Lamb, duck, turkey, red meat, game and cheese.