Harlan Estate--Vintage 1999

2 magnums per lot
Details
Harlan Estate--Vintage 1999
Napa Valley
Both lots in original wooden cases
The 1999 Harlan Estate (1,700 cases) reveals moderately intense aromatics of sweet vanilla, menthol, espresso, chocolate, and cassis. The wine is medium to full-bodied, suave, and elegant. It is more restrained and not as intense as previous vintages, reflecting 1999's cool growing season. Nevertheless, this is still an outstanding wine. The finish is long, elegant, and Bordeaux-like. It is not as prodigious as the Harlans produced between 1991 and 1998. I would rank it behind all those wines. Anticipated maturity: now-2016.. The objective at Harlan is simple ... low yields, ripe fruit, no razzle dazzle in terms of fermentation, a natural upbringing, and bottling without clarification. Wine Advocate #142 (Aug 2002)
2 magnums per lot