1992 Harlan Estate Proprietary Red
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Tasting notes
Will Harlan had last tasted this very senior vintage, the second commercial vintage from Harlan Estate, a year before the London dinner at which it was served. Much paler than the 1994 served alongside it – nearly transparent! Fresh, almost lean, from seven-year-old vines with some sweetness but a bit of a relic. (JR)
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Robert Parker
Robert Parker
More reviews and scores
Magnum. 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, remainder: Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot. A beautifully aged wine, certainly ready to drink now though still with some time left for it. The palate has a bit less density than the younger wines but there are beautiful elements here. A constellation of elements – roses and violets with just a touch of lavender, mixed stone fruits, some fresh mountain herbs. The tannin is firm and abundant without being hard or angular. The acidity is balanced with good length though less substantial than some vintages. This is a lovely wine that deserves respect. (ECB)
Magnum. Don made this. Salty perfume. Not the most concentrated and pretty sinewy at this stage – more structure than fruit. Just lacks a little middle at this stage but such a treat to be tasting Napa wine history. Bit scrawny. (JR)
Tasted next to the 1993, the 1992 Harlan Estate is exotic, aromatically complex and quite delicate. A more feminine side of the estate comes through in the 1992. My impression is that the 1992 is starting to fray just a bit. (AG)
About the producer
Harlan Estate is one of the Napa Valley’s most prestigious wine estates. It is one of a handful of cult Cabernet producers, whose wines are some of the most expensive and collectable in the region.