Winemaker Notes
The Maiden represents the second selection from the estate. It is a highly detailed and sumptuous wine, remarkably faithful to the vineyard's pedigree. Accordingly, the resemblance to her "big sister" is unmistakable.
Very dense, ruby-red color. Though subdued at first, with some airing it displays notes of roasted coffee, charcoal, and blackberry against a background of sweet, toasty notes. Very ripe impression with good concentration and density. The entry on the palate is at once dense, fleshy, exuberant, and displays a high level of fine-grained, supple tannins that will certainly contribute to its textural interest and harmony for many years.
This is a vintage of exceptional charm from a ripe year. A beautifully concentrated wine—neither heavy nor overbearing—with sweet tannins, loads of ripe, juicy fruit, licorice, and a tremendous consistency. The wine shows bright, forward cassis and black fruits.
Professional Ratings
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Wine Enthusiast
The '04 Maiden is very close to Harlan Estate in quality. The Maiden is a touch less elegant; but it is such a wholesome wine, so succulent in blackberry, cassis, licorice, and roasted cedar. The tannins are so regal—even the slight prickle of acidity works for polish. So beautiful now, it’s hard to know when to suggest drinking it, but this should easily be a 10–15 year wine.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The second wine from Harlan Estate, the 2004 The Maiden shows plenty of cedary Christmas fruitcake and creme de cassis notes, a touch of vanillin and a rich, opulent mouthfeel (no tannins stick out whatsoever). The wine is plush, succulent, and altogether hedonistic and intellectually satisfying. Drink it over the next 10-15 years.
One of the world’s most classic and popular styles of red wine, Bordeaux-inspired blends have spread from their homeland in France to nearly every corner of the New World. Typically based on either Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot and supported by Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot, the best of these are densely hued, fragrant, full of fruit and boast a structure that begs for cellar time. Somm Secret—Blends from Bordeaux are generally earthier compared to those from the New World, which tend to be fruit-dominant.
Home to some of the most sought-after Cabernet Sauvignon in America, Napa Valley’s Oakville district stretches across the center of Napa's valley floor and foothills between the Vaca and Mayacamas Mountains. This AVA is home to the legendary To Kalon Vineyard and Martha's Vineyard, as well as many powerhouse wineries including Screaming Eagle, Silver Oak, Robert Mondavi, Opus One, Far Niente and Groth.
The climate is generally warm and agreeable, resulting in year after year of favorable vintages. Summer days see a gentle tug of war between warmer inland air and the cool air coming in from the San Pablo Bay, creating an ideal environment to grow red varieties. Oakville's diverse soils, namely ancient sea bedrock, clay and gravel, are well-drained, and perfect for high-caliber viticulture.
Cabernet here is often bottled varietally but is also popular in Bordeaux Blends. Oakville wines are known for their silky, sensual textures, structured tannins, dark and brooding fruit and lovely aromatics. These age-worthy and prestigious wines are favored by collectors throughout the world.