Harlan Estate, Napa Valley Red Wine 2016

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 – Nose fresh and bright, creamy blueberry, sweet bramble, luscious palate, acidity hits instantly, mineral and bright, powerful, leather and earth and a deep layer of perfumed earth. The texture is very fine, grainy, the finish long. Primary fruits and youthful tannins

Bob Levy – ripe black fruits with savory notes of dried sage, hints of fennel & celery, red pepper, soft warm expansive; supple with great depth; freshness, great balance; soft but full & energetic tannins

Cory Empting – fresh, vibrant, nice energy composition; a refined exo-skeleton surrounding extreme harmony; the tannins are felt but each edge or grain is countered by a complimentary facet each yielding to the next

Don Weaver – forward, bright fruit nose, some barrel notes, continues to rise; concentrated blackberry, almost brambly fruit; delicious almost juicy; tannins are very fine, some grip but supple, finishing moderately long; a very harmonious expression

François Vignaud – dark fruit, soft ink character, sage fresh; continuously changes; fresh, lively attack, flowing; soft but focused mid-palate; crescendo of acidity and fine tannins, still very youthful; lively, vibrant, focused wine; fresh, balanced, precise, flowing, almost juicy

Bill Harlan – understated, delicious, lots of detail

Jamie Ritchie – Rich and vibrant, while being lush and dense. Blackberries, black cherries, blackcurrants, mulberries. Spice and graphite. Rich and intoxicating. Supple. Has an abundance of energy. Vibrant juicy fruit that is both sweet and savory. Has a wonderful thickness and weight in the mouth, combined with a freshness and lift. Long juicy finish of black cherries, coffee and chocolate. Truly excellent. Keep it, if you can.

Jim Walker –  black fruits, sweet, quite delicious; house style. lengthy, soft somewhat tart, a mouthful, young tannins; flavors live up to the promise of the nose

Kelli White –  expressive nose of fresh mixed berries, birch bark, sarsaparilla, dried thyme, cucumber nose is fresh & bright, elegant; astounding purity & clarity, wonderful lift & freshness to the palate; beautiful guiding acidity moves the wine with energy; fruit is powerful yet light on its feet; long finish, chalky, fine tannins

Will Harlan – slightly cool, levity/lift, slender; nose is restrained/quiet, wet stone; not totally dry earth, faint but fresh herb; very transparent, slightly lower density, brightness, tension