Slight medicine smell initially but then it goes away. Very good flavor. Paired well with Chili — 3 years ago
A knockout left bank Bordeaux. I’ve read that the 2005s may go longer than the potentially even more vaunted 2000s and I might agree based on this bottle. Decanted 5 hours. Cork in perfect shape. Amazing depth of fruit and a ton of Bordeaux earth. Nose goes on and on as does the finish. Was an excellent pairing but a very good but simple roast chicken. — 6 months ago
Fragrance was really good and the initial taste was great. It gets sour over time but it goes with everything. Nice and mature wine. — 2 years ago
The first couple times I tried 08 I was definitely too quick to judge. It needs a ton of air, and it’s different from the rich, oxidative, nutty house style of the past, particularly the warm and ultra forward 2006, the previous release. 2008 is indeed young, tightly wound with a pulsating core of energy.
The first glass offers very little. Subdued, austere and youthfully reserved. But ensuing pours eventually unleash its core of powerful clean orchard fruit, coffee bean and grilled nuts. On the palate it continues to become so much more textural with crazy gains in weight, depth and fruit intensity as the night goes on. It really fills the mouth, saturating the palate with a satin-like texture, ripping citrusy acids and saline laced minerals that follow deep into its finish. Enjoyable now with enough air (needs 2 hours), but no doubt one to hold. To live forever. — 3 years ago
So for those who don’t know, this wine is a collaboration between one of the most famous California winemakers and one of the most famous Bordeaux wine makers (the grapes are from Napa).
The young expression when I first had it 10 years ago was big bold ripe fruit, probably the quintessential Napa cab.
The aged expression had more secondary and tertiary characteristics, terroir, and represented Baron Rothschild in respects of crafting a wine that could grow and develop and express the care that goes into winemaking as opposed to simply growing good fruit.
The young version of it perfectly expresses Mondavi and Napa. The aged version captures the elegance of Bordeaux winemaking and Rothschild’s fingerprints. You cannot fully experience this wine unless you’ve had it young and old. Unbelievable experience tonight. — 9 months ago
After Bouland's Delys I had an immediate urge for Foillard's Côte du Py. Don't judge me...
Showing this to my best pal who lives in Dijon and who literally bathes in Burg. Pinot Noir. I think he likes it too😍.
Cola, cherry, hay, raspberry... Wow this nose doing its trick again. Massive acid backbone, radiant cherry all along with a bit of a Cola note, a bit of tannins in the rear, very gentle, and a super duper long fruity finish that goes on for a long long time. Who can seriously say they don't like it? — 3 years ago
Nose is totally closed on open. Maybe a hint of tomato skin.
Palate is sort of stewed sweet tomato a bit. Some acidity.
Let’s see how this goes.
As this opens gunmetal smoke on the nose.
Palate is fresh. Fruit is smoked sun dried tomato. Lovely internal aromatics.
2 hours in. Nose is cherry with a hint of pleasant tomato skin. Deep. Dried red roses.
Palate is bright cherry. Savory tomato (good thing). Savory. Very interesting.
Day 2 nose is smoky. Deep. Hint of tomato skin. Palate is savory. Better yesterday. But not awful. — 4 years ago
Somm David T
Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator
Beautiful fruits on the nose. Blackberries, dark cherries, plum, dark core of black currants, soft tarriness, mid berry cola, baking soda, gently, layered, baking, spices, soft earthiness with dark and red flowers.
The palate shows a beautiful tenant profile with velvety and powdery tannins. Just ripe blackberries, dark, cherries, black, raspberries, and blueberries. Dark chocolate, beautiful spices with depth and palate heat, understated, baking, spices, dry soils, dry, crushed rocks, limestone, dark chocolate, medium dry spice box, Asian, spices, grand acidity, excellent, soft tension, great length smartly, polished, elegant finish, that goes on and on and lands on clays and spice.
If there is one thing I learned tasting 6 Harlan’s is Bob Levy is one of the very best, if not thee best at managing Cabernet/Bordeaux blend tannins.
Tasting with Winemaker-Bob Levy & Managing Director-Don Weaver. — a month ago