Leading off the 2014s and functioning as the second wine of the estate, the 2014 Maiden comes from a cellar selection that includes all parts of the property and is a mix of Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc and Merlot. Cassis, black raspberries, toasted oak, and spice all emerge from this opulent, forward, seductive 2014 that has a frontend loaded style that’s ideal for drinking over the coming 15+ years. My appointment with Harlan Estate (as well as Bond and Promontory) was scheduled for the morning of October 9th, and I arrived at 9 am, after being evacuated from my hotel at 3 am due to the Atlas Peak fire and sleeping in my rental car alongside Highway 29 south of Oakville. It was an otherworldly experience standing in the parking lot of Harlan Estate with Bob Levey, in the hills on the western side of Oakville, looking east across the valley as the flames engulfed the hillside of Atlas Peak. At this point, the air in the upper part of the valley was still clear, and while I offered to reschedule the appointment, they were incredibly gracious, and we spent the morning going through a bevy of sensational wines.

Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2014 The Maiden opens with a beautiful exotic spice and potpourri nose over a core of red and black currants, cedar chest, cloves and menthol plus a waft of fragrant earth. Medium to full-bodied, it has a lovely velvety texture and great freshness lifting the spicy flavors, finishing with lingering red and black fruit layers.

Lifted aromatics and finely sculpted fruit give the 2014 The Maiden its super-polished, refined feel. Gentle and understated in its expression of the year, the 2014 speaks to grace above all else. There is plenty to like and look forward to.

Harlan Estate's second wine reveals a rich bouquet of juicy black fruits, cedar wood, clove and spicy oak, with a generous, textural palate impression.