Harlan Estate, Napa Valley Red Wine 2000

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.comancisrobinson.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 – Very different to its peers. The most elusive perfume. Savoury nose, dried herbs. More immediately tannic, linear, an impression the mid-palate is missing, hollow at the core, tannins dry for a wine this age

Bob Levy – red fruits, dried herbs, rosemary, celery root; soft entry, medium density; slightly angular tannins, good length but not broad

Cory Empting – hickory barbeque, faded rose; soft delicate herbal undertones lift the wine

Don Weaver – pencil shavings, elegant floral notes; calm, lighter bodied, disadvantaged in the group; charming, almost classic old world, drinking very well now

François Vignaud – earthy, shy, slightly dusty; “meditative elegance”; a touch more vegetal, slightly floral, more focused palate, lighter body, still some sharp tannins on the finish

Bill Harlan – good nose, light weight, med/light body, pleasant, simple

Jamie Ritchie – Spicy red and black cherries that are slightly medicinal. Sweet, savory and spicy. Very seamless and well-integrated. Good weight and richness with spicy black cherry, coffee, chocolate finish. Delicious and ready to drink now.

Jim Walker –  interesting nose, somewhat sour; silky smooth, somewhat shorter finish; representative, calm

Kelli White –  intriguing nose of black tea, potting soil, smoked cherries & leather; developed but attractive; fleshy & charming, easy to drink; ripe, soft, broad tannins and a long finish, laced with baking spices (a legacy of the oak?); quiet

Will Harlan – aromatics are a bit quiet/muted; Carmex nose? lacks density/mid-palate continuity in the mouth but overall, not bad; retains enough of the juicy core, has a coolness