2002 Harlan Estate Napa Valley Bordeaux Blend

“The extraordinary Harlan Estate, which I awarded 100 points seven years ago, offers no justifiable reason to doubt its perfect score. It is still a baby, with an inky purple color and notes of smoky camphor intermixed with creme de cassis, Asian soy and a hint of cedar beginning to emerge as well as some espresso and subtle damp forest floor notes. The wine has awesome intensity, a full-bodied mouthfeel, a skyscraper-like texture, and a finish that goes on for close to a minute. This is a perfect wine, still youthful and young, and not even in full adolescence as of 2012. It has 40 or more years ahead of it, but should hit its plateau of full maturity in another 5-10 years. It is certainly one of the most showy, flamboyant and remarkable Harlan Estates made to date. Kudos to Bill Harlan! (RP)” (06/2012)

“Very deep garnet-black colour with a purple rim. The nose is still a little closed giving notes of blackberry, black cherries, dark chocolate, tobacco, cigar boxes and cinnamon. The palate displays faultless structure and balance: very finely grained, firm tannins, medium to high acid and incredible intensity. Perhaps paradoxically, this wine is at once rich and full bodied yet exquisitely elegant. Although taut, it is already irresistibly tempting to drink. Epic finish with lingering flavours of Chinese dried plums, truffles, and an interesting iron/stony nuance. (LPB, Wine Journal)” (01/2009)

“The 2002 Harlan Estate is a stunner. Black cherry, plum, mocha, new leather, licorice and sweet oak all flesh out. Pliant and supple, with tremendous depth, the 2002 dazzles from start to finish. It is also one of the most vibrant, youthful 2002s I tasted for this report. I can only imagine how thrilling the 2002 must have been on release given how few wines in Napa Valley were truly exceptional at that time. (AG)” (05/2024)

“The aroma is deep and inviting, equal parts new oak, Cabernet fruit and dried herbs. Has tremendous weight, with red and black cherry, cola, chocolate, cassis and roasted coconut flavors. Brilliant now, virtually flawless and totally delicious, yet has the impeccable balance to age and even improve over the years. *Cellar Selection*” (09/2006)