1999 Harlan Estate, The Maiden, Napa Valley 1x750ml

Vinous 92

(this is 90% cabernet sauvignon, while the ’98 is only 60%) Full medium ruby. Very ripe, fresh aromas of currant, black cherry, brown spices and smoky oak. Fleshy, dense and sweet, with lively, harmonious acidity giving the flavors excellent definition. Finishes with thoroughly ripe, broad cabernet tannins that coat the entire palate. Very suave wine, and amazingly good for a second wine. [Stephen Tanzer, 05/01/2002]

Robert Parker 90

The 1999 The Maiden (700 cases) is a more evolved, slightly lighter, less prodigious example of its bigger sibling, the Harlan Estate. The dense saturated purple-colored 1999 The Maiden exhibits an evolved sweet nose of cedar, black currants, licorice, and smoke as well as outstanding density, purity, and ripeness, medium to full body, and firm but unobtrusive tannin in the finish. It should drink well for 12-15 years, perhaps longer. As the wine sat in the glass, aromas of chocolate and cigar smoke emerged. The objective at Harlan is simple … low yields, ripe fruit, no razzle dazzle in terms of fermentation, a natural upbringing, and bottling without clarification. Tel. (707) 944-1441; Fax (707) 944-1444 [31/08/2002]

Anticipated maturity: 2002-2017