Founded in 1984, Harlan Estate is one of the most sought-after wineries in Napa Valley that crafts what are known as California’s “First Growth” wines.
It is located in the western hills of Oakville. The 240-acre estate sits atop the fabled Oakville benchlands, overlooking the famed Martha’s vineyards – credited for producing some of Napa’s best Cabernet.
The terroir of these terraced vineyards is a mix of different soils and topography. The multiple elevations ranging from 225 feet to 1,225 feet provide perfect drainage, helping the grapes grow slowly and ripen evenly.
The winemaking process at Harlan is under the supervision of winemaker Bob Levy and winemaker Cory Empting.
95 Points Jeb Dunnuck
Moving to the two 2015s, the 2015 The Maiden is a rock star that’s better than most estate top wines. Giving up a full-bodied, sexy, beautifully layered style as well as tons of sweet cassis and blackberry fruit, it has ripe tannins, no hard edges, fruit galore, and a great finish. It’s smoking good today yet will keep for years.
96 Points James Suckling
Incredible aromas of blackberries, blackcurrants and walnut undertones. Underbrush, hints of cedar and sweet tobacco, too. Full-bodied, very structured and tannic. Yet, so polished and very, very beautiful. Great length and structure. Beautiful to drink now, but really well-structured for aging.
95+ Points Wine Advocate
There were very small yields in this vintage—about 50% of normal production. The 2015 The Maiden (bottled in early 2018) is deep garnet-purple colored with lovely notes of warm redcurrants, black raspberries and wild blueberries with touches of rose hip tea, tobacco, spice box and fragrant earth. The palate is full-bodied and concentrated with lovely grainy tannins and seamless freshness, finishing long and earthy.