Harlan Estate, Napa Valley Red Wine 2006

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 deep purple, core the colour of fresh liver; Fresh open very generous nose, dried herb, sage, full of life, the palate ripe, luscious, sappy, tannins fresh and ripe, length generous, woody, brambly mid-palate, tannins still fresh and grainy. Complex and ripe with juicy acidity and a lovely persistent finish

Bob Levy – ripe, red fruits surrounded by notes of leafiness (dried), energetic, fresh; very broad, full entry & middle tannins add complexity, density & length; slightly granular

Cory Empting – (not noted)

Don Weaver – energetic; red fruits, savory, some green notes; balanced, medium density & concentration; supple tannins, finishing medium long

François Vignaud – dark berries, menthol, fresh nose; soft leather, sous-bois, dried herbs; crescendo mouthfeel, from light, dynamic attack to framed finish, slightly dry tannins; well-rounded, structured wine; balanced fresh, earthy finish

Bill Harlan – a little more reserved

Jamie Ritchie – Herbal, mineral, spicy nose. Blackcurrants and black berries. Well delineated with a defined structure. Juicy and vibrant. Not as concentrated on the mid-palate as other vintages but has lots of charm and allure. Fresh black cherry, black berry finish with graphite and cedar. Ready to start drinking.

Jim Walker –  better than I remember it; not as intense as 2007 but easy to enjoy

Kelli White –  delightful, expressive nose showcasing the freshness of fruit; sweet cherry base is overlain with scents of pine, bay leaf, mint & malt; delightful on the palate with excellent posture, freshness, energy & finesse; tannins are plentiful but not distracting

Will Harlan – darker fruit, more moisture on the nose, blue fruit, cooler; medium intensity, still has the heat-edge-gap-rusticity-bitterness-dryness