Harlan 2002 is een rode wijn op basis van Cabernet Sauvignon, geproduceerd uit druiven uit de Napa Valley (Oakville); een blend van Merlot, Cabernet Franc en Petit Verdot tot de wijn in Bordeaux-stijl waarmee Harlan Estate naam heeft gemaakt. De productie was beperkt tot slechts 1.500-1.600 kisten.
Het groeiseizoen van 2002 begon vroeg. Door een droger dan gemiddelde winter begon de knopbreuk op 1 april iets vroeger dan normaal, maar daarna werden de temperaturen in de lente en zomer grillig en viel er tot eind mei met tussenpozen regen. De druiven voor deze wijn werden geoogst van meer dan 40 acres wijngaarden, bestaande uit een mix van terrasvormige en hoogdichte aanplantingen.
Bob Levy hield toezicht op de wijnbereiding en de wijn heeft bijna twee jaar gerijpt in 100% nieuwe Franse eikenhouten vaten.
Deze wijn komt het best tot zijn recht als hij wordt gedecanteerd en kan tot 2040 worden gedronken.
Robert Parker (100)
believe the 2001 Harlan Estate and 2002 Harlan Estate’s 100 point scores represent the first time I have given perfect ratings to two successive wines produced in the New World. However, the styles of the two wines couldn’t be more different as each reflects its particular vintage. The 2001 is a classic, long-lived, backward wine with most of its potential concealed at present. On the other hand, it is impossible to resist the flamboyant, extroverted 2002 Harlan Estate’s charm, richness, and overall seductive personality. This profoundly complex wine exhibits notes of cedar, black currant liqueur, scorched earth, smoke, and graphite. Incredibly broad, sweet, full-bodied, opulent, and voluptuous, it literally has everything one could ever want in a great Cabernet Sauvignon-based wine. Already drinkable, it promises to evolve effortlessly for 25-30 years. This prodigious offering is worth mortgaging the farm! Bill Harlan, winemaker Bob Levy and consulting oenologist Michel Rolland have achieved spectacular results in an amazingly short time at this estate in the western hills overlooking the Oakville corridor. The introduction of a second wine, The Maiden, has allowed this team to ratchet up the level of the grand cru. From over 40 acres of vineyard, only 1,500-1,600 cases of Harlan Estate and 800 cases of The Maiden are produced. In order to keep quality at such an extraordinary level, I suspect production will never go much higher.
Winespectator (99)
Approaching perfection. Wonderful perfumed and floral aromas, with rich cassis, blackberry and wild berry fruit scents. On the palate those flavors are intense and vibrant, creating a mouthcoating sensation and finishing with a persistent aftertaste and rich, integrated tannins.
BOW (10-)
Falstaff (100)
Dark ruby, firm core, delicate ochre rim. On the nose attractive cassis fruit, black berry confit, plus a touch of pickled olive, eucalyptus hints, attractive bouquet with hints of mint and noble wood. On the palate a super elegant texture, pronounced fruit body, silky, supporting tannins, perfect balance, has reached a delicious level of maturity, very long finish. Epic, almost cinematic.
Wine Enthusiast (99)
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.
