I recently had the opportunity to taste the 2000 vintage of Harlan Estate, and it was a truly magnificent wine. The deep, ruby red color was mesmerizing, and the aromas that wafted from the glass were absolutely enchanting. I detected notes of black currant, blackberry, and vanilla, with hints of cedar and leather. I waited 22 years to taste this bitch.
Upon tasting, I was struck by the wine's remarkable complexity. The flavors were layered and intense, with a beautiful balance between fruit, oak, and tannins. I tasted dark fruit flavors like black cherry, blackberry, and cassis, alongside a subtle earthiness and a hint of chocolate. The tannins were firm but velvety, and the wine had a full-bodied, luscious mouthfeel.
The finish was incredibly long, with flavors that lingered on the palate for what felt like minutes. I tasted more dark fruit and a touch of espresso, with a subtle hint of tobacco. Overall, the Harlan Estate 2000 was a truly exceptional wine that left a lasting impression. It would be a wonderful addition to any collector's cellar and a fantastic choice for a special occasion.
Very smooth and elegant construction. Fruits are fully integrated-cassis, blackberries, vanilla drinking perfectly. Decanted for 30 mins and paired with a duck and cherries main.
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Almost a perfect wine, with two distinct layers of fruit, increasing in intensity, like manual transmission shifting gears in mid-palate, followed by a lovely finish; perfectly balanced.
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Well guys and gals. I am not so sure I adhere to my prior comments on this cuvee. What a difference in opinion that my most recent tasting of this cuvee has caused me to express. Popped my most recent bottle for family New Years Eve fondue dinner with filet, chicken breasts, and shrimp (and a variety of dipping sauces horseradish or scallion based). Wow. This cuvee at 60ish degrees and bought directly from Don and properly maintained by me thereafter was fabulous. Tasty right upon popping the cork but even tastier after about 30 or so minutes in the decanter. Well balanced pronounced flavors of berry, spices, coffee, minerals, and black cherries. Long aftertaste.
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Not at all over the hill (assuming perfect cellaring from release) and flavors/profile consistent with great Harlans. Just not as much as the big boys. Would be an excellent wine if you didn't have to pay cult prices. Drink anytime, but wouldn't wait much longer.
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(Harlan Estate) Very dark red violet color; cassis, light menthol, mint nose; tasty, poised, cassis, light menthol, mint palate with sweet tannins; medium-plus finish
3/14/2023 - lemorgan wrote: 95 Points
I recently had the opportunity to taste the 2000 vintage of Harlan Estate, and it was a truly magnificent wine. The deep, ruby red color was mesmerizing, and the aromas that wafted from the glass were absolutely enchanting. I detected notes of black currant, blackberry, and vanilla, with hints of cedar and leather. I waited 22 years to taste this bitch.
Upon tasting, I was struck by the wine's remarkable complexity. The flavors were layered and intense, with a beautiful balance between fruit, oak, and tannins. I tasted dark fruit flavors like black cherry, blackberry, and cassis, alongside a subtle earthiness and a hint of chocolate. The tannins were firm but velvety, and the wine had a full-bodied, luscious mouthfeel.
The finish was incredibly long, with flavors that lingered on the palate for what felt like minutes. I tasted more dark fruit and a touch of espresso, with a subtle hint of tobacco. Overall, the Harlan Estate 2000 was a truly exceptional wine that left a lasting impression. It would be a wonderful addition to any collector's cellar and a fantastic choice for a special occasion.
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12/25/2022 - doug374 Likes this wine: 95 Points
Very smooth and elegant construction. Fruits are fully integrated-cassis, blackberries, vanilla drinking perfectly. Decanted for 30 mins and paired with a duck and cherries main.
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7/28/2021 - ECGreen Likes this wine: 98 Points
Almost a perfect wine, with two distinct layers of fruit, increasing in intensity, like manual transmission shifting gears in mid-palate, followed by a lovely finish; perfectly balanced.
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12/31/2020 - cultdrinker wrote: 97 Points
Well guys and gals. I am not so sure I adhere to my prior comments on this cuvee. What a difference in opinion that my most recent tasting of this cuvee has caused me to express. Popped my most recent bottle for family New Years Eve fondue dinner with filet, chicken breasts, and shrimp (and a variety of dipping sauces horseradish or scallion based). Wow. This cuvee at 60ish degrees and bought directly from Don and properly maintained by me thereafter was fabulous. Tasty right upon popping the cork but even tastier after about 30 or so minutes in the decanter. Well balanced pronounced flavors of berry, spices, coffee, minerals, and black cherries. Long aftertaste.
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12/13/2020 - levinml wrote: 94 Points
Not at all over the hill (assuming perfect cellaring from release) and flavors/profile consistent with great Harlans. Just not as much as the big boys. Would be an excellent wine if you didn't have to pay cult prices. Drink anytime, but wouldn't wait much longer.
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