Harlan Estate, Napa Valley Red Wine 2003

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 – Very high sweet perfumed dark damson and violet notes on the nose (or as it might be tar and roses). Really luscious and charming – pot pourri – dried rose petals –hint of dried sage in there as well. Palate more rose petal perfume, allied with dark fruit and fine juice, and oh so soft tannins which nevertheless have grip

Bob Levy – soy, sauciness, tamarind, seems overly evolved; medium intensity, supple, slightly piqued tannins

Cory Empting – (not noted)

Don Weaver – high perfume, some mature, oxidative notes on top; dried plums, pot pourri ripe impression, less dimensional; not in a good place today

François Vignaud – soy sauce, earthy, some oxidation; ripe, ample mouthfeel with dry tannins on finish, warm year?

Bill Harlan – nose? not bad mouthfeel, different

Jamie Ritchie – Savory, slightly roasted fruit nose of prunes and plums which is rather atypical of Harlan. Mature and ready to drink from now, the ripe character comes through with sweet fruit, though it retains balance with its freshness. The savory notes appear at the finish: red cherries and spice. Drink now.

Jim Walker –  interesting nose (barnyard); lacks intensity, nice long, soft finish

Kelli White –  a bit oxidized on the nose; scents of mesquite, toffee and coffee/mocha dominate the more subtle cherry cola tones; more youthful on the palate with evenly dispersed, fuzzy tannins

Will Harlan – aromatics are super evolved…this wine won’t last much longer; super-ripe, sweet, slightly cloying; texture is fantastic however