2003 Harlan Estate Napa Valley Proprietary Red
SKU #1029960
98
points
Wine Enthusiast
Another spectacular Harlan...It shows the earthy quality that marks wines off the estate, with an aroma suggesting a warm bale of hay under the summer sun, a sweet straw and bay laurel scent that adds savory richness to the cherry, blackberry and chocolate flavors...
(12/ 2007)
95
points
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The bottled 2003 Harlan Estate is as good or even better than I had hoped. With a dark ruby/purple color, silky tannin, and abundant quantities of licorice, graphite, chocolate, espresso, black currant, truffle, and earthy characteristics, it comes across like a hypothetical blend of a top-notch Pauillac and Graves. Superb texture, low acidity, and gorgeous purity as well as richness suggest it will drink well for two decades or more.
(12/ 2006)
94
points
Wine Spectator
Intense, vibrant, firm and focused, with a touch of raciness to the concentrated mocha, blackberry and graphite. Extracted, chewy and firmly tannic, but with tight focus and persistence of flavor. (Web, 2010)
92
points
Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar
Deep ruby-red. Aromas of plum syrup, black licorice, menthol and roasted nuts. Can't match the 2004 for depth of flavor or consistency of ripeness but conveys a fairly refined texture. A bit chunkier than the best vintages of this wine, but there's strong underlying backbone here for aging. In spite of its firm tannic spine, the finish shows lovely floral persistence.
(6/ 2010)