Harlan Estate, Napa Valley Red Wine 1993

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 – the 93 is utterly Napa, that woody slightly carnal perfume of the Bay and some sappy snapped twig – the palate is quite evolved – perfume and freshness, full of life but also passing into a second stage  the fruit is slightly raisined, the tannins dusty, acidity and juice carry through to the end

Bob Levy – almost reductive note, torrefaction/toastiness, secondary notes of cedar, decent concentration, slightly angular tannins, slightly sharp/dry

Cory Empting – very precise, a slight austerity, cedar piano bench, slightly riper nose, hints of oxidation, waxy fruit; tannins are felt as firm but then diffuse into a ripe finish, more dilute than 1994

Don Weaver – color still holding, no bricking at edges, mature notes on the nose; carnal, sappy notes of evergreen, cedar; very much at peace, all elements in line; wine of the vintage in Napa Valley? a standout today

François Vignaud – cedar, sappy, resiny; mid-palate is textured, balance, fresh tannins

Bill Harlan – good nose; tannins a little angular; coming along

Jamie Ritchie – Mint and spice with a touch of gasoline and oil. Tea, tar and roses. [Trace of oxidation?]. Lighter on the middle palate and does not have the same weight and density of other vintages. It still retains charm and character, with high acidity, and finishes fresh, though it is a little drying out. Sweet and savory. Charming. Drink now.

Jim Walker –  very tight nose; elegant, graceful, herbal, evergreen; wonderful; medium finish

Kelli White –  surprisingly fruity but ringed with scents of caramel & tea, charred orange rind, dried leaves, dried mushrooms; somewhat advanced, with a good amount of caramel; livelier on the palate with lovely glycerin and an integrated structure

Will Harlan – warm, baking spice nose; very open; cinnamon-sugar cookie or snickerdoodle nose; texturally really nice, crunchy yet very fine tannin; lacks density mid-palate