1999 Harlan "The Maiden" Napa Valley Bordeaux Blend

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. 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. (RP)