Harlan Estate, Napa Valley Red Wine 2012

Bordeaux blend of average 75% Cabernet Sauvignon plus varying proportions of Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot.

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 available on jancisrobinson.com), winemaker Cory Empting, associate director François Vignaud

Adam Lechmere – Shy nose, savoury, fascinating to detect the aromas as they lift lightly out  – tannins kick in instantly – present, correct, insistent, dryness washed with shots of juice, acidity finding its way through, fruit (dark), minerality, violet perfume, amazing concentration and precision, chewy, even sappy at end, and always the bright acicity pushing through to the finish.

Bob Levy – red fruits with underlying notes of dried herbs & black pepper; sweet core of ripe fruits dominates, almost confectionery; hints of cedar; soft entry but with a core of juiciness, fresh & lively with lots of breadth; good level of tannins adds to length, juicy finish with well-defined granularity

Cory Empting – a candied floral; light on its feet, filled with life while on the finish there is a roundness and perhaps something faded & romantic, not crystal clear but fuzzy in the best way

Don Weaver – notes of cedar, some brown sugar, soy aromas; molasses, licorice mingled with dark fruits; dense in the mouth, tannins slightly dry

François Vignaud – a touch of cola, sweet dark fruit, very expressive with spices, herbal notes; almost medicinal but with a touch of roundness & generosity; round & supple attack, fresh, textured mid-palate displaying sweet fruit; finishes with good balance between tannins & acidity; overall supple, textured & round

Bill Harlan – subtle. less interesting flavor & mouthfeel

Jamie Ritchie – Mulberries, Black cherries and black currants with freshness and intensity. Vanilla and spice. Juicy and vibrant. Very fresh with well delineated fruit and good definition. Not as much weight and volume as some other vintages but has a lovely purity and transparency. Finely boned with good length. Finishes with black cherries and spice. Keep.

Jim Walker – nose tight, then opens; palate short finish, soft tannin; not my favorite but an easy drink

Kelli White – the ripest, darkest of the flight; nose of prune, olive, smoke & cured meats, sweet cinnamon, also Pu-erh tea; somewhat flamboyant and easy in the mouth with a broad texture of rich, ripe fruit; excellent structure in the context of the vintage, tannins are both creamy & furry

Will Harlan – the nose shows the ripeness, roundness & generosity of the vintage; palate is fresher than aroma leads on; flesh but not fat, very supple; oak perfectly integrated