2003 Harlan Estate Napa Valley California USA Wine Tasting Note

9181 Views

2003
96
A very good, but perhaps not great bottle here. Loads of blackberry, cassis, licorice, smoke, black cherry, tobacco and earth, with good levels of concentration going on. This is almost a restrained vintage for Harlan that is ready to drink at 13 years of age. For tasters that find vintages like 2001 and 2002 to be too much, this is the right vintage to taste, if you have a bottle hanging around.

A very good, but perhaps not great bottle here. Loads of blackberry, cassis, licorice, smoke, black cherry, tobacco and earth, with good levels of concentration going on. This is almost a restrained vintage for Harlan that is ready to drink at 13 years of age. For tasters that find vintages like 2001 and 2002 to be too much, this is the right vintage to taste, if you have a bottle hanging around.

4,031 Views   Tasted
Not showing like a 10 year old wine, this seemed much younger with its fresh black and red fruits, licorice, wet earth and oaky nose. Power with elegance, the finish was long, fresh and clean.

Not showing like a 10 year old wine, this seemed much younger with its fresh black and red fruits, licorice, wet earth and oaky nose. Power with elegance, the finish was long, fresh and clean.

5,150 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