The Maiden, Harlan Estate 2005

Bill Harlan’s fabled hillside vineyard has become, since 1991, one of the greatest names in the wine world. The first vintages were 1990 and 1991. The Maiden is their selection of lots and barrels that are deemed slightly less complex and impressive. That sounds critical, but this is a beautiful wine. Always more evolved, precocious and very sexy, the 2005 The Maiden is superb. Dense ruby/purple, with notes of underbrush, graphite, earth, loamy soil and oodles of blackcurrant and black cherry fruit, it offers supple tannins, beautifully integrated acidity and wood. This is a beauty that can be drunk now or held for cellaring another 10-15 years.

Harlan’s second wine, The Maiden, is marvelous in 2005. Ripe, opulent fruit and notes of unsmoked high class cigar tobacco intermixed with creme de cassis, coffee, and asphalt are present in this round, superbly textured, rich, full-bodied, silky, beautifully wrought wine. It will drink well for 15+ years.