Harlan Estate, Napa Valley Red Wine 2004

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 – Wonderful perfumed old armoire nose, lovely, fresh open palate, savoury and mineral, dense, fresh, dark savoury fruit, acidity releasing juice, the tannins have a dry dusty grip, the juice comes later, eucalypt and varietal character very strong

Bob Levy – ripe fruits (red mostly). slight soy, tomato, green olive, celery, peppercorn; soft entry, expands at ending

Cory Empting – very dark & deep; lavish on the palate, sweet layers, lots of length; armoire lavender

Don Weaver – tons of flavor, smoked meats, dried herbs, forest floor; tannic backbone, but sustain of fruit through the finish

François Vignaud – generosity! dark ripe fruit character; dark cherry, plum, fresh tones giving levity to the nose of cedar box, spices; sweet attack, wider, round & supple, cola character; tannins frame the finish, very long

Bill Harlan – pleasant, medium body, hollow place mid-palate

Jamie Ritchie – Mineral, herbal and slightly medicinal nose of black cherry, liquorice and spice. Good structure and finely tuned. Prunes, plums, cinnamon, spice, coffee, tea and mint on the finish. Combines the sweet and savoury aspects with freshness. Ready to drink from now and very joyous.

Jim Walker –  straw nose, sweet mid-palate, fruit seems more red than black; long finish

Kelli White –  dark, ripe nose of fig, prune, pencil lead, forest floor, oolong, aloe, vanilla bean; rich & palate coating, with a modest acidity and broad, sticky tannins; dried/stewed fruits cover the tongue

Will Harlan – high-toned, almost like 2014; floral but has the HEGRBD; palate is really nice, integrated, harmonious, good texture; honestly, pretty impressive