Community Tasting Note

Tuesday, November 13, 2018 - The perfectly ripe, dense, black and blue fruits are the first thing you notice. But as you peer further into the caliginous wine, you find this cool, refreshing note combining dark red berries accompanied by incense, smoke, forest leaf and a light, background hint mint. On the palate, the wine balances power, restraint, elegance and purity. Complicated and concentrated, the wine is fleshy, rich, silky, mouth-filling and vibrant. The finish sits with you for close to one full minute. My instinct suggests 12-15 years in the cellar will complete the experience.

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Comment posted by JEP007:

11/14/2018 7:25:00 AM - Any insight yet to 2016, I assume it's still in barrel?
Comment posted by Jeff Leve:

11/14/2018 8:01:00 AM - I tasted the 2016 in barrel. It is not only better than the 2015, but it is in contention for one of the best vintages produced at Harlan! And that's saying a lot.
Comment posted by 64 Squares:

4/21/2019 3:28:00 PM - Jeff - you think it’s ok to drink now? I have 3 bottles of the 2015 and dying to try it, though don’t want to drink if not ready yet. Thanks.
Comment posted by Jeff Leve:

4/22/2019 9:10:00 AM - It depends on how primary you like your wine. For me, I would wait until the wine is 10-15 years of age. It is a very special, pricey bottle, so patience in this regard will be rewarded. But if you dig primary fruits, it is a stunning wine, just youthful.
Comment posted by JEP007:

4/22/2019 1:49:00 PM - @64Squares Can't wait to read your tasting notes, go for it!
@JeffLeve Any more insight on 16' since your comments back in Nov? Can't wait to follow those TNs. Another note, do you know if they're releasing a 17? Have you barrel sampled it?
Comment posted by Jeff Leve:

4/22/2019 2:02:00 PM - No idea on the 17. I am sure you can phone or Email them to ask. Honestly, I no longer remember the 2016 sample. Harlan is a remarkably consistent producer, so as the vintage is strong, I imagine their wine will probably be one of the best from the valley.
Comment posted by 64 Squares:

4/24/2019 10:30:00 AM - Thanks Jeff. I'll lay off until it's at least 10-year old :)
Comment posted by DavidW529:

1/26/2020 4:59:00 AM - Delivery of my 2016 Harlan estate is 2/15/20. Very excited to see how this compares to the 2013 thru 2015