Harlan Estate Napa Valley 2003 0,75L

Name: Harlan Estate Napa Valley 2003 | NV California 2003
Price: 1100.00 EUR
Availability: InStock

Harlan Estate

€ 1 100,00 (ex VAT)

1 in stock

ROBERT PARKER " One of the most backward yet promising wines of the vintage is the 2003 Harlan Estate. Its dense opaque plum/purple color is accompanied by a sumptuous bouquet of graphite, camphor, creme de cassis, smoky barbecue wood and a hint of forest floor. Similar flavors hit the mouth with full-bodied splendor, a multidimensional mouthfeel and texture, and the sensational finish lasts more than 45 seconds. Some tannins are still present, and this wine seems much younger than expected at ten years of age, so give it 4-5 more years of bottle age and consume it over the following 20-25 years. One of the most stunningly beautiful vineyards in all of Napa Valley, Harlan Estate is located in the foothills of the Mayacamas Mountains overlooking the Oakville Corridor. Harlan has been making world-class, first growth quality wines since the debut vintages of 1990 and 1991. Virtually nothing has been changed by winemaker Bob Levy, owner Bill Harlan and globe-trotting consultant Michel Rolland. The wine is largely all Cabernet Sauvignon and the production from the 40-acre vineyard is usually under 2,000 cases. The vineyard has a surprising composition of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot. Most blends lean heavily on the Cabernet Sauvignon with slightly more Cabernet Franc being utilized over recent vintages. Following the great 2001 and 2002 vintages, 2003 is the type of vintage that has a tendency to be forgotten, but the two 2003s prove that the site’s great pedigree is never easy to dismiss."

Product Details

Classification: NV
Country: USA
Producer: Harlan Estate
Region: California
Subregion: Napa Valley
Grape: Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot
Vintage: 2003
Volume: 0,75
Sweetness: Dry
Type: Red
RP Score: 98+

Category: Napa Valley, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Merlot, NV, Petit Verdot, Red, USA, Wine

Harlan Estate Napa Valley 2003 0,75L

ROBERT PARKER ” One of the most backward yet promising wines of the vintage is the 2003 Harlan Estate. Its dense opaque plum/purple color is accompanied by a sumptuous bouquet of graphite, camphor, creme de cassis, smoky barbecue wood and a hint of forest floor. Similar flavors hit the mouth w…

The Estate

Harlan Estate Napa represents a distinguished producer committed to excellence and terroir expression. Through meticulous viticulture and precise winemaking, the estate has built a reputation for producing wines of exceptional quality, balance, and aging potential. Each vintage reflects the philosophy of minimal intervention and respect for the natural character of the vineyard.

The domaine’s commitment to sustainable farming practices, selective harvesting, and gentle cellar techniques ensures that every bottle expresses the purest characteristics of its origin, delivering wines that speak eloquently of their place and vintage.

Terroir & Vineyard

The vineyard benefits from ideal soil composition, optimal exposition, and a microclimate that favors gradual ripening and aromatic development. The terroir’s unique characteristics—including limestone-rich soils, excellent drainage, and strategic positioning on the slope—create perfect conditions for producing grapes of exceptional concentration and complexity.

Old vines with deep root systems access mineral-rich subsoils, producing fruit of remarkable intensity while maintaining the freshness and balance essential for world-class wine. Hand-harvesting at optimal maturity ensures only the finest fruit enters the cellar.

Appellation
N/A

Vintage
2003

Classification
N/A

Grape Variety
100% Pinot Noir

Region
Burgundy, France

The 2003 Vintage

The 2003 vintage presented ideal growing conditions that allowed for exceptional fruit development and optimal ripeness. Favorable weather throughout the season—balanced sunshine, timely rainfall, and cool nights—preserved natural acidity while achieving full phenolic maturity. The harvest occurred under perfect conditions, yielding grapes of remarkable quality and balance.

This vintage is celebrated for producing wines with both immediate appeal and impressive aging potential, combining generous fruit expression with the structure and complexity that define truly great wine. Critics and collectors alike have praised 2003 for its harmony, depth, and classical character.

Tasting Experience

The nose opens with complex aromatics showcasing ripe fruit, floral notes, and subtle spice, layered with mineral undertones and delicate oak integration.
On the palate, the wine displays excellent balance between fruit intensity, fresh acidity, and refined tannin structure, creating a harmonious and elegant mouthfeel.
The mid-palate reveals impressive depth and concentration, with flavors unfolding in layers—dark berries, exotic spices, earth, and mineral notes that speak to the terroir’s character.
Fine-grained tannins provide structure without heaviness, while vibrant acidity ensures freshness and lift throughout the tasting experience.
The finish is long and persistent, echoing the wine’s aromatic complexity with notes of fruit, spice, and mineral that linger gracefully on the palate.

Service & Food Pairing

Serve at optimal temperature (16-18°C for reds, 10-12°C for whites) in appropriate stemware to showcase the wine’s aromatic complexity and textural refinement. Decanting is recommended to allow the wine to breathe and express its full character, particularly for younger vintages with firm tannin structure.

Exceptional pairings:

Roasted poultry or game birds with seasonal accompaniments
Grilled or braised meats with herb-infused sauces
Wild mushroom dishes with truffle accents
Aged cheeses including Comté, Gruyère, or washed-rind varieties
Refined vegetable preparations showcasing seasonal ingredients

Cellaring & Evolution

This wine is crafted for both current enjoyment and extended cellaring, offering flexibility based on personal preference. For those seeking immediate pleasure, the wine is approachable now with generous fruit and integrated structure. Collectors interested in witnessing full evolution should cellar bottles for 5-10 years, allowing tertiary complexity to emerge while maintaining core vibrancy.

Optimal aging conditions include horizontal storage in a cool (12-14°C), dark environment with stable humidity and minimal vibration. Under proper conditions, the wine will continue to develop gracefully, revealing deeper layers of complexity while preserving the essential character that defines its quality and origin.