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2002 Harlan Estate Napa Valley California USA Wine Tasting Note

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2002
Harlan Estate  (Napa Valley)
100
Inky in color, from the looks of things, this could easily be a 2012 Harlan! Barbecue smoke, incense, blackberry liqueur, mocha, blue fruit and licorice gets things of to a good start. The wine is full bodied, incredibly concentrated, opulent, lushly textured and mouth coating. The fruit keeps on going with a finish that must last close to 60 seconds. Still youthful, with this much going in, I suspect, it is good for another 30 years. For those wondering if, and how, new California Cult wines will age, check this wine out at 16, and it is still a baby. Expensive, but if this California Cabs are your wheelhouse, this is a reference point wine.

Inky in color, from the looks of things, this could easily be a 2012 Harlan! Barbecue smoke, incense, blackberry liqueur, mocha, blue fruit and licorice gets things of to a good start. The wine is full bodied, incredibly concentrated, opulent, lushly textured and mouth coating. The fruit keeps on going with a finish that must last close to 60 seconds. Still youthful, with this much going in, I suspect, it is good for another 30 years. For those wondering if, and how, new California Cult wines will age, check this wine out at 16, and it is still a baby. Expensive, but if this California Cabs are your wheelhouse, this is a reference point wine.

5,556 Views   Tasted
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Inky in color, with pungent aromas of coffee, smoke, blackberries, cassis, earth, 5 spice, herbs and incense. Powerful and concentrated with mouth filling layers of fresh, ripe berries, this California Cabernet Sauvignon ends with an intense licorice, black cherry, oak, vanilla, smoke and olive filled finish. I am enjoying how this wine is developing. I wish I had more than one bottle left.

Inky in color, with pungent aromas of coffee, smoke, blackberries, cassis, earth, 5 spice, herbs and incense. Powerful and concentrated with mouth filling layers of fresh, ripe berries, this California Cabernet Sauvignon ends with an intense licorice, black cherry, oak, vanilla, smoke and olive filled finish. I am enjoying how this wine is developing. I wish I had more than one bottle left.

9,977 Views   Tasted
With its explosive nose of licorice, blackberry, blue fruit, jammy berries, oak, fresh herbs, oak and caramel grabs your attention. Thick, juicy, dense and concentrated, with layers of creamy, polished jammy blackberries and coffee flavors, this made a solid impression. I tasted this on release and thought it was over the top. This tasting changed my mind, I was surprised by how much I liked it. It's truly a world class wine.

With its explosive nose of licorice, blackberry, blue fruit, jammy berries, oak, fresh herbs, oak and caramel grabs your attention. Thick, juicy, dense and concentrated, with layers of creamy, polished jammy blackberries and coffee flavors, this made a solid impression. I tasted this on release and thought it was over the top. This tasting changed my mind, I was surprised by how much I liked it. It's truly a world class wine.

9,937 Views   Tasted
Incredibly rich and concentrated with layers of ripe black and blue fruit, chocolate and jam, this Napa Cabernet was almost too much of a good thing.

Incredibly rich and concentrated with layers of ripe black and blue fruit, chocolate and jam, this Napa Cabernet was almost too much of a good thing.

4,118 Views   Tasted

When to Drink Harlan Estate, Anticipated Maturity, Decanting Time

Harlan Estate is much better with at least 8-12 years of aging in good vintages. Young vintages can be decanted for 3-4-5 hours if desired. This allows the wine to soften and open its perfume.

Older vintages might need very little decanting, just enough to remove the sediment. Harlan Estate offers its best drinking and should reach peak maturity between 10-20 years of age after the vintage.

Serving Harlan Estate with Wine, Food, Pairing Tips

Harlan Estate is best served at 60 degrees Fahrenheit, 15.5 degrees Celsius. The cool, almost cellar temperature gives the wine more freshness and lift. Harlan Estate is best served with all types of classic meat dishes, veal, pork, beef, lamb, duck, game, roast chicken, roasted, braised and grilled dishes.

Harlan Estate is also good with Asian dishes, hearty fish courses like tuna, mushrooms and pasta.

www.harlanestate.com