We have recently added a number of new stocks of Harlan Estate and Maiden, arriving on our next shipment in the autumn. In addition we have a couple of new listings from our reserves. These have all been priced very competitively so well worth taking a look.
Harlan Estate was founded in 1984 by the visionary Bill Harlan and is now one of the most sought-after wines of the Napa Valley. For 37 years, Bill has been pursuing his mission to create a 'first growth' of California in the hills of Oakland. The Harlan Estate shares the same climatic characteristics as neighbouring Martha’s Vineyard and Beckstoffer To-Kalon, yet occupies a higher position on the hillside where overall cooler temperatures and greater swings between daytime and night-time temperatures encourage ripening whilst preserving acid. The estate’s early vineyard development began with just six acres. Today this cult estate's planting is essentially complete, with nearly forty acres under vine to the classic varietals: cabernet sauvignon, merlot, cabernet franc, and petit verdot.
Harlan's flagship wine is their Harlan Estate, predominantly cabernet sauvignon, which they blend with varying amounts of the other three varietals to express the unique and distinctive character of the site and vintage. The winemaking process is meticulous, exemplified in their detailed Notes Of A Winemaker, where the care and attention lavished on the vinification is clear for all to see. This proprietary red has received eight perfect 100-point-scores from Robert Parker, with the remaining vintages scoring in the high 90s. These high scores, combined with low production volumes, have given Harlan Estate all the hallmarks of a mythical cult wine.
"These wines possess all the elements of greatness - individuality, power combined with elegance, extraordinary complexity, remarkable aging potential, and compelling richness without ponderousness." - Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate
Considered incorrectly by some as a 'second wine', The Maiden offers a completely different blend to its big sister, yet remains faithful to Harlan's pedigree and exacting high standards. This is a unique, highly detailed, superbly textured and full-bodied wine in itself.
As always, stocks are very limited of these highly-sought after wines so if you would like to order, do let us know as soon as possible.
