1995 The Maiden
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Tasting notes
The 1995 second wine is an outstanding offering (300 cases made from 100% Cabernet Franc). It possesses a dense, murky ruby/purple color, and an expressive, cedary, leathery, spicy nose with plenty of black fruits. Some minerality comes through, but this complex, evolved yet structured, full-bodied wine is an amazing second wine. It should drink well for 10-15 years. Proprietor Bill Harlan, his winemaker, Bob Levy, and consultant, Frenchman Michel Rolland continue to produce what may be the single most profound wine in California. This wine possesses all the elements of greatness - individuality, power combined with elegance, extraordinary complexity, remarkable aging potential, and compelling richness without ponderousness. The vintages produced to date give signs of improving in the bottle for 20-30+ years. In 1995, a second wine, which has not yet been named, has been produced, which allows the selection process to be even more severe once the 35-acre vineyard is in full production. Recent production has been 1,500 cases for the 1994, 1,200 cases for the 1995, 1,500 for the 1996, and approximately 2,500 cases for the 1997. Many readers who have been on the waiting list for Harlan Estate may finally receive an allocation in 1997. This year produced the highest yields to date (a still modest 2.7 tons per acre) at this hillside vineyard. Tel. (707) 944-1441; Fax (707) 944-1444
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Good full ruby. Slightly inky aromas of pungent black raspberry, black plum, minerals and Cuban tobacco. High-pitched yet lush on the palate, with black raspberry, tobacco and mineral flavors. Still, not nearly as dense as the above. Firmly built and persistent. These wines are aged in all new barrels, but have so much material the oak is barely noticeable.
About the producer
Harlan Estate is one of the Napa Valley’s most prestigious wine estates. It is one of a handful of cult Cabernet producers, whose wines are some of the most expensive and collectable in the region.