Harlan Estate 2002

"Very deep garnet-black colour with a purple rim. The nose is still a little closed giving notes of blackberry, black cherries, dark chocolate, tobacco, cigar boxes and cinnamon. The palate displays faultless structure and balance: very finely grained, firm tannins, medium to high acid and incredible intensity. Perhaps paradoxically, this wine is at once rich and full bodied yet exquisitely elegant. Although taut, it is already irresistibly tempting to drink. Epic finish with lingering flavours of Chinese dried plums, truffles, and an interesting iron/stony nuance. Drink 2009 – 2030+. Tasted November 2008."

100 Points

The Wine Advocate

"A gorgeous wine, extremely ripe, showing opulent red and black plum, black cherry, kirsch and anise flavors, reaching toward blackberry jam yet staying amazingly structured and deeply concentrated.--Non-blind Harlan retrospective (2010). Drink now through 2028. 1,248 cases made."

99 Points

Wine Spectator

"The aroma is deep and inviting, equal parts new oak, Cabernet fruit and dried herbs. Has tremendous weight, with red and black cherry, cola, chocolate, cassis and roasted coconut flavors. Brilliant now, virtually flawless and totally delicious, yet has the impeccable balance to age and even improve over the years. The listed price is its pre-release price. Drink now through at least 2020. "

99 Points

Wine Enthusiast

"Good deep, bright ruby. Knockout liqueur-like aromas of black raspberry, licorice pastille and dried sage. Extremely young and powerful, with great sweetness and succulence to the dense middle palate. Almost painful today on the extremely long aftertaste. A great vintage for this wine: I'd like to come back to this in another decade or so."

97 Points

International Wine Cellar