Harlan Estate
Napa Valley Proprietary Red Blend
Napa Valley, California, USA
Lots of fun bottles were popped at Al’s hosting this past weekend for his birthday celebration. All were served blind. 1 sparkler, 2 whites, 6 reds and 1 dessert wine.
One of those wines where everything was working in harmony. Supremely balanced. Youthful. Came across very herbal and Bordeaux like aromatically at first before the sweet and ripe fruit pushed forward. Violets, graphite, underripe red, blue and black fruits with minerals on the nose. Similar to the PM Les Pavots and the Shafer HSS, it started showing sweet tannins alongside dark coco, nutmeg, juicy blueberries and blackberries and a tightly wound finish. Tons of life here. I was between Napa cab or left bank Bordeaux.
Lots of fun bottles were popped at Al’s hosting this past weekend for his birthday celebration. All were served blind. 1 sparkler, 2 whites, 6 reds and 1 dessert wine.
One of those wines where everything was working in harmony. Supremely balanced. Youthful. Came across very herbal and Bordeaux like aromatically at first before the sweet and ripe fruit pushed forward. Violets, graphite, underripe red, blue and black fruits with minerals on the nose. Similar to the PM Les Pavots and the Shafer HSS, it started showing sweet tannins alongside dark coco, nutmeg, juicy blueberries and blackberries and a tightly wound finish. Tons of life here. I was between Napa cab or left bank Bordeaux.
Just about as beautiful as wife and her friend - what a brilliant wine - pop this wine when life is good and reward yourself - bravo Bill
Just about as beautiful as wife and her friend - what a brilliant wine - pop this wine when life is good and reward yourself - bravo Bill
Sep 9th, 2018
In principio chiuso poi dopo un oretta... 😋
In principio chiuso poi dopo un oretta... 😋
May 11th, 2018
@Ted Mandes @Christine @Steve Colanero Great example of a great Napa Cab. I did not say awesome example since I was a little disappointed. Definitely a lot of fruit on the front palette, the mid palette was non-existent and the back palette & finish was very short. I was expecting to be marveled prior to tasting but I think this was overshadowed by its rivals this evening. I'm not sure that it will benefit from further aging??? I'll be curious to see what others think as they comment on this vintage.
@Ted Mandes @Christine @Steve Colanero Great example of a great Napa Cab. I did not say awesome example since I was a little disappointed. Definitely a lot of fruit on the front palette, the mid palette was non-existent and the back palette & finish was very short. I was expecting to be marveled prior to tasting but I think this was overshadowed by its rivals this evening. I'm not sure that it will benefit from further aging??? I'll be curious to see what others think as they comment on this vintage.
Mar 15th, 2017In a very good place right now. Beautifully seamless, funny integrated, but still tons of life left in it. 1.5 hr decant.
In a very good place right now. Beautifully seamless, funny integrated, but still tons of life left in it. 1.5 hr decant.
Aug 23rd, 2016
2005 and 2010 Harlan. C'est magnifique! 2005 was slightly more shallow from the last tasting, suggesting the wine is evolving yet again. Still primary, with a bit more earth. The 2010 - spectacular. Need more of this, particularly in large formats. Built for the ages. Really love these wines in moderate to cool years so the terroir gets a chance to shine. Bravo
2005 and 2010 Harlan. C'est magnifique! 2005 was slightly more shallow from the last tasting, suggesting the wine is evolving yet again. Still primary, with a bit more earth. The 2010 - spectacular. Need more of this, particularly in large formats. Built for the ages. Really love these wines in moderate to cool years so the terroir gets a chance to shine. Bravo
Feb 3rd, 2015