Harlan Estate, Napa Valley Red Wine 2005

The following tasting note shows the combined comments of the tasting panel organised for Club Oenologique at Harlan Estate on 11 March 2020. Present: Adam Lechmere, Bill Harlan, Will Harlan, estate directer Don Weaver, collector Jim Walker, Harlan educator Kelli White, director of winegrowing Bob Levy, Jamie Ritchie of Sotheby’s fine wine, Elaine Chukan Brown (notes can be found on jancisrobinson.com), winemaker Cory Empting, associate director François Vignaud

Bordeaux blend of average 75% Cabernet Sauvignon plus varying proportions of Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot.

Adam Lechmere – Dark opaque blood-red colour with broad light ruby rim. Amazing savoury nose, ferrous, old cracked leather and plum skin. Palate light and fresh, very charming, hint of salted plum and blackberry, salinity, juice washing over the whole in cataracts

Bob Levy – dried herbs, sage, black plum, faint sweet vanilla notes, dense canopy aromas; delicate texture, broad palate; slightly hard, short at finish but not dry

Cory Empting – (not noted)

Don Weaver – very appealing array of aromatics, tomato notes; good acid background; in a very good place on its arc of aging

François Vignaud – menthol, dried herbs, touch of sweetness, slightly more generous; hourglass shaped; ample & supple but structured; secondary aromas with a touch of sous-bois character; tomato skin

Bill Harlan – good nose, good balance & weight, pleasant flavors

Jamie Ritchie – Intense blackcurrant and black cherry with coffee and chocolate. Quite exotic. Lovely vibrant fruit, that is still juicy and fresh. Graphite and spices. Mid weight on the palate. Has a juiciness, sleekness and glossiness that is very appealing. Ready to start drinking.

Jim Walker –  earthy, lead, silky mouthfeel; shorter finish but delicious

Kelli White –  powerful, heady, savory nose of tomato skin, leaf, beef bouillon, pressed violets, salted dried Japanese plums; an immensely floral, savory wine with bright upright palate; in the mouth, acidity takes the lead over tannins, structurally speaking; savory love/rust tone grows with the finish

Will Harlan – super expressive, rose, extrovert, almost akin to 2015 (2nd round exhibits funky/oxidized nose); pleasurable, more impressed than expected; retains juiciness, flow, along with the warmth; slightly dry tannins