Harlan Estate, Napa Valley Red Wine 2015

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 – Lovely – a savoury intensity building on the palate, very bright and fresh, so intense, dark leafy fruit, bramble, earth, juicy acidity washing through the whole. Very precise, the tannins soft and ripe, perfumed, mouth filling

Bob Levy – briary notes, black olives, sweet vanilla & caramel with ripe, red/black fruits, almost confectionery; black olive, blackberry dominate flavor profile right now; full, ripe tannins add a breadth & depth to finish

Cory Empting – extra darkness in the nose; noticeably more savory; soft layers, earthy mushroom & dark currant; the wine’s shape is round and harmonious

Don Weaver – inviting, complex nose, aromas of savory & herbal notes; earthy, sage-y, mingled with “sweet”; firm but silky tannins, persistent finish

François Vignaud – ripe dark fruits, fresh, almost resiny character; soft barrel toast; fresh but round attack, broader mid-palate, supple (can’t decipher); supported by great acidity on the finish; wine has both ripeness & freshness

Bill Harlan – expansive, early flavor expression neutral, grows positive with time

Jamie Ritchie – Linear red and black fruits. Fresh. Raspberries, black berries, mulberries. Cedar. Savory and spicy with an earthiness. Lighter texture, but with a real brightness and juiciness. There are the characteristic savories with the sweet fruit. Long finish with red and black cherries, cedar, tobacco and spice. Keep.

Jim Walker –  nice strawberry, blueberry; more length than the 2016

Kelli White –  more buoyant, effervescent in the nose than the 2016, also more forceful & riper aromas of dark cherry along with a savory black licorice, kalamata olive notes; concentrated and slow building on the palate; a muscular wine kept in check by excellent framing; chewy, clay-like, persistent tannins, surprising floral & rust tones come through on the finish, adding charm

Will Harlan – nose: warmth, fruit, ripe but not over-ripe; supple texture, small sphere in shape, juicy, similar to expectation but cooler on palate then the nose would bely; on the correct side but very close to the border of over-ripeness