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2009 The Maiden

Wine Details
Place of Origin

United States

Oakville

Napa

Color

Red

Grape/Blend

Cabernet Sauvignon (2021 vintage)

Vintages
20212020201920182017201620152014201320122011201020092008200720062005200420032002200120001999199819971995
Reviews & Tasting Notes

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Even at 95 points, I may have underrated the 2008 Harlan Estate flagship wine last year. On my most recent visit, this densely packed, youthfully imploded wine expanded spectacularly with a bit of aeration, showing an element of energy that's usually missing in Napa Valley cabernet of this scale (I scored it 96). And it manages to avoid the exotic sweetness shown by so many 2008 cabernets. The winery's 2009, with higher-pitched aromatics and more minerality, shows suaver tannins and more refinement, and is even more complete. Winemaker Cory Empting compared the young 2009s (and he was speaking of Bill Harlan's Bond wines as well) as "like the 2005s but with more flavor maturity."

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Drinking Window

2014 - 2024

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Vintages 2008 and 2009 are totally different in character at Harlan Estate. In 2008 the two wines are also quite different stylistically, while in 2009 the wines are much more closely linked. The 2010s I tasted from barrel were all raciness and pure excitement. Readers may want to take a look at my video interview with Bill Harlan in which Harlan discusses Promontory, his newest project.