Harlan Estate, Two Vintages

I had a once in a life time opportunity to try Harlan Estate Napa Valley 2001 and 2002 side by side!

2001 had deep garnet color.
The intensity was medium: stewed cherry, prune, dill, tarragon, tomato sauce, and ink.
There were charred wood and coffee from oak.
Complex wine. It felt fully developed and wouldn't age longer.

2002 had more fruit: fresh and stewed cherry, pureed plum, plum skin, candied violet, coffee and vanilla.
A little higher acid and more body. More approachable, too.
There was still freshness and this would age longer.

Same wine, just one year difference. Totally different wine. Interesting.