2019 Harlan Estate "The Maiden" Napa Valley Bordeaux Blend

Professional Reviews

Notes

Joe Czerwinski for Wine Advocate on the producer: "Founded in 1984, Harlan Estate is woven into the western hills of Oakville, with 40 planted acres set amid scrub and forests from 325 to 525 feet above sea level. Up a sparsely marked private road, it's an undulating oasis in the hills, with views over the valley from select vantage points. As proprietor Bill Harlan pointed out, one of the unique aspects of Harlan is the team that constitutes the heart of Harlan. Founding director Don Weaver joined in 1986, director of winegrowing Bob Levy, in 1988. Current winemaker Cory Empting was hired in 2001, and the "newcomer" is Will Harlan, Bill's son, who joined full-time in 2012. "That continuity has been a huge thing for us," said Bill, as we caught up on the close to 20 years since we'd last chatted. The vineyards are planted to Cabernet Sauvignon (70%), Merlot (20%), Cabernet Franc (8%) and Petite Verdot (2%), but when asked about the varietal makeup of the 2019 Harlan Estate, Weaver expertly deflected. "We're not trying to express varietal character; we're trying to express a specific place." (03/2023)