Harlan Estate, Napa Valley Red Wine 2002

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 – Intense tarry nose, very deep with secondary character coming through – tar, molasses, dark treacle, burnt muscovado sugar, almost PX. Palate awash with juice, so irrigated, mouth-watering and generous, an oasis, delicate and precise but luscious all at once with that pot pourri and dusty rose petal and fine-grained tannins to the end

Bob Levy – ripe black fruits, cassis, plums, cedar, sweet tobacco, faint vanilla; very full & broad, juicy, ripe red/black fruit flavors, very concentrated, rich finish with big tannins, still good energy, rich, round, long finish

Cory Empting – aging at a glacial pace

Don Weaver – lush, even plush, ripeness; broad & weighty on the palate; expansive, rich big wine; fleshy (slightly volatile?) despite its grand scale, still maintains energy in the mouth

François Vignaud – fresh aromas, with cedar, herbal notes, dark ripe cherries; wide wines, in great balance; ample texture supported by medium acidity; structured & ripe but well balanced; more volume on everything

Bill Harlan – good, peppermint, menthol nose, round tannins, good volume

Jamie Ritchie – Inky, deep, dark, rich and intense. Voluptuous with inviting freshness. Great volume that coats the mouth with a layer of rich fruit. The richness and weight combine with many different layers and this has extra dimension and depth. Complex and sublime, where the sweetness, freshness, richness and finesse are in harmony. Ready from now and excellent.

Jim Walker –  fruit nose with some intensity; slightly astringent but only briefly; nice soft finish, milder than I remember

Kelli White –  balance nose of cassis, mocha, incense, rust & oregano; juicy and charming on the palate, with a well-knit and refreshing acidity that supports the broad, rich core of dried fruits; abundant ripe, pleasant tannins; in a pretty place

Will Harlan – seems demure, with clear ripeness, some heat on the palate; acidity saves this wine has enough freshness (barely) and structure to stay alive; won’t be the longest-lived vintage