Harlan 2002 is a Cabernet Sauvignon-based red wine produced from Napa Valley (Oakville) grapes; blending Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot into the Bordeaux-style wine that Harlan Estate built its name on. Production was limited to just 1,500-1,600 cases.
The 2002 growing season began early. Due to a drier-than-average winter, a somewhat early budbreak began on April 1, but spring and summer temperatures became erratic thereafter, and rain came and went intermittently until the end of May. The grapes used for this wine were harvested from over 40 acres of vineyards comprising a mix of terraced and high-density plantings.
Bob Levy oversaw the winemaking, and the wine was aged for nearly two years in 100% new French oak barrels.
It is best enjoyed decanted through 2040.
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.
