8/4/2023 - toppcats@aol.com Likes this wine:

My first Harlan based wine and the first time I've had to rewrite my tasting note along with significant scoring changes from start to finish. Wine went through 3 different very distinct stages - an initial phase where the wine was quite drinkable - the fruit was strong and dominated, no particular complexity was noted, and strong chalky tannins were present - a second 'dumb' phase where the fruit faded out and the tannins dominated - finally a third resolved phase where there was delicious fruit flavor balanced with nice complexity, good acidity, and faded soft tannins. The alcohol (14.8%) was unnoticed in the 3rd stage. Note though that it took 15 hours after opening the wine into get to that 3rd stage.
The original notes - Cork removed intact with only cork edge stained purple - no noted seepage. Dominant initial cassis aroma. PnP. Purple- dark garnet in glass. Initial nose of cassis, plum, fruitcake, and oak. Silky and rich mouthfeel with taste of sweet fruit - cassis, raspberry jam, and plum leading into a long lengthy finish ending with drying tannins (I could sense an echo of the fruity finish over several minutes)(description of chalky sensation of finish on palate is 'on target'). Medium to full body. Beyond the initial plush fruit - limited complexity noted. After about an hour, forward dark fruit still dominant but better overall balance with notes of oak and pine tree (needles) in play. Good acidity. Medium tannin with less palate chalkiness on finish. After about 3 hours fruit began to fade on palate, along with tannin component strengthening into a very drying finish - nose remained fruit dominant. Wine was interesting - has both strong fruit and tannin components, but limited history as to how this will play out for the future. As some have noted here, wine appears best to drink over first few hours.
*Addendum* - at 15 hours - Wine elements have settled down into much more balance. Nose remains fruit dominant with sweet cassis, raspberry jam , and plum, along with mild oak notes (searching for other more complex notes and just not finding them which is limiting my scoring at this point). On palate, dark fruit notes remain beautifully present - with the tannins, while still present, now noted to be markedly toned down, only mildly drying on the finish, and in balance (not overbearing or chalky) with the other wine elements. Gave a taste to my daughter just now who also provides us with another 'thumbs up - I like it' vote as well! Wine continued to improve with some welcome added complexity over next few hours until finished -Nose added chocolate and coffee notes to the mix. On the palate - fruit remained strong and present while tannins faded. No sediment noted. Delicious and interesting wine where the last glass was the best. Score raised from my initial 91--> 95. Will try another bottle soon and will allow an adequate decant time.