2003 The Maiden

Red Bordeaux Blend

America / California / Napa Valley  / Oakville

$250
RP 93
V 91
Size:
Quantity:

Availability: 4

2003 Harlan Estate The Maiden – Napa Valley’s Cult Second Wine

The 2003 Harlan Estate The Maiden embodies the elegance and pedigree of Harlan’s Oakville estate, crafted with the same meticulous standards as the flagship but in a more approachable style. Known as the “second wine” of Harlan Estate, The Maiden is a sought-after expression of Napa Valley’s hillside terroir and is prized among collectors of California Cult Wines.

Tasting Notes

The 2003 vintage reveals aromas of ripe blackberry, plum compote, and cocoa powder, layered with subtle notes of cedar, tobacco leaf, and earthy truffle. On the palate, it is plush and generous, showcasing flavors of dark cherry, espresso, and a touch of vanilla spice. Supple tannins and a long, warm finish mark the wine’s maturity and drinking appeal.

Winemaking & Vineyard Details

Made from younger vines and select parcels within the Harlan Estate, The Maiden blends predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon with portions of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot. Like the Grand Vin, it undergoes fermentation in small lots and is aged in French oak barrels, reflecting Harlan’s uncompromising standards of craftsmanship.

Investment & Collectibility

The 2003 The Maiden offers an accessible entry point into the Harlan portfolio while carrying the same reputation for scarcity and quality. Its approachability in youth, coupled with the pedigree of its origin, makes it both a collector’s item and a fine choice for immediate enjoyment. Perfect for your collection.

Vintage Specifics & Accolades

The **2003 vintage** in Napa Valley was marked by a warm, dry growing season, yielding ripe, concentrated wines with opulent fruit and softer structures. The Maiden reflects these characteristics with its plush texture and expressive aromatics.

  • 93 pointsRobert Parker's Wine Advocate
  • 92 pointsVinous

Explore Related Collections


RP 93

Robert Parker Wine Advocate

Readers looking for more immediate gratification should seek out the seductive, sexy 2003 The Maiden. It offers lots of cedarwood, white chocolate, black currant and damp forest notes in a medium to full-bodied, round, generous style with all the oak absorbed. The acidity provides good vibrancy, but no tartness, and the tannins are not astringent. This spicy, open-knit, fleshy 2003 is showing extremely well at present. Enjoy it over the next decade. Reviewed by Robert M. Parker, Jr., Issue date: June 28, 2013. Drinking window: 2013 - 2023.
V 91

Vinous

Full medium ruby. Dusty aromas of blueberry, menthol and tobacco. Fat, lush and broad on entry, then rather youthfully unevolved in the middle palate, without quite the liqueur-like sweetness of the 2002. Notes of Havana tobacco and licorice. Here the tannins are a bit less refined than those of the 2002. Reviewed by Stephen Tanzer, Issue date: May 2005. Drinking window: N/A.

Domestic Shipping

We currently ship to all U.S. states where the shipment of alcohol is legally permitted. Orders are fulfilled via UPS.

Orders placed Monday through Thursday before 2:00 p.m. Pacific Time typically ship the same day. Orders placed after 2:00 p.m. on Thursday through Sunday will ship the following Monday.

Same-day delivery may be available within the Los Angeles Metro area if placed before noon. Please contact us at (626) 714-7006 to arrange expedited local service.

Packaging & Warm Weather Shipping

To protect wine quality, all orders are packed in EPS foam shippers with gel packs when necessary. During warmer months, we recommend selecting Next Day Air service. If Ground shipping is selected during high temperatures, a signed waiver may be required to release us from liability due to heat exposure.

For OWC (Original Wooden Case) orders, bottles are removed and shipped in foam for safety. The wooden case ships separately via Ground unless otherwise requested.

Weather Holds & Free Storage

In periods of extreme weather, we reserve the right to delay shipment until safe conditions return. If you request immediate shipment during such periods, you must confirm in writing and acknowledge that you waive any condition guarantees.

We also offer complimentary temperature-controlled storage for up to 6 months from the date of purchase. Select the “Hold for Weather” option at checkout and we will coordinate shipping at a later date.

Insurance

We provide free shipping insurance for loss or visible damage during transit, per carrier terms and conditions.

Adult Signature Required

All shipments of alcohol require an adult signature (21+) upon delivery. Carriers will not release packages without adult authorization. Additional charges may apply for re-delivery, redirection, or failed delivery attempts.

Shipping Address Accuracy

Orders are shipped to the exact shipping address provided at checkout. Angry Wine Merchant is not responsible for errors or omissions in the address submitted by the customer. If a package is delayed, returned, or misdelivered due to incorrect shipping details, the customer assumes full responsibility. Additional shipping fees may apply if re-shipment is required. By placing an order, you confirm that the shipping address entered is correct and agree to these terms.

States We Ship To

We ship to the following U.S. states:

Alabama (AL), Alaska (AK), Arizona (AZ), Arkansas (AR), California (CA), Colorado (CO), Connecticut (CT), Delaware (DE), Florida (FL), Georgia (GA), Hawaii (HI), Idaho (ID), Illinois (IL), Indiana (IN), Iowa (IA), Kansas (KS), Kentucky (KY), Louisiana (LA), Maine (ME), Maryland (MD), Massachusetts (MA), Michigan (MI), Minnesota (MN), Mississippi (MS), Missouri (MO), Montana (MT), Nebraska (NE), Nevada (NV), New Hampshire (NH), New Jersey (NJ), New Mexico (NM), New York (NY), North Carolina (NC), Ohio (OH), Oklahoma (OK), Oregon (OR), Pennsylvania (PA), Rhode Island (RI), South Carolina (SC), South Dakota (SD), Tennessee (TN), Texas (TX), Vermont (VT), Virginia (VA), Washington (WA), West Virginia (WV), Wisconsin (WI), Wyoming (WY)

*******************************

International Shipping

We do offer international shipping where legally allowed. For details, click here or contact us directly.

  • CRITICAL REVIEWS
  • WINEMAKER NOTES
RP 93

Robert Parker Wine Advocate

Readers looking for more immediate gratification should seek out the seductive, sexy 2003 The Maiden. It offers lots of cedarwood, white chocolate, black currant and damp forest notes in a medium to full-bodied, round, generous style with all the oak absorbed. The acidity provides good vibrancy, but no tartness, and the tannins are not astringent. This spicy, open-knit, fleshy 2003 is showing extremely well at present. Enjoy it over the next decade. Reviewed by Robert M. Parker, Jr., Issue date: June 28, 2013. Drinking window: 2013 - 2023.
V 91

Vinous

Full medium ruby. Dusty aromas of blueberry, menthol and tobacco. Fat, lush and broad on entry, then rather youthfully unevolved in the middle palate, without quite the liqueur-like sweetness of the 2002. Notes of Havana tobacco and licorice. Here the tannins are a bit less refined than those of the 2002. Reviewed by Stephen Tanzer, Issue date: May 2005. Drinking window: N/A.

2003 Harlan Estate The Maiden – Napa Valley’s Cult Second Wine

The 2003 Harlan Estate The Maiden embodies the elegance and pedigree of Harlan’s Oakville estate, crafted with the same meticulous standards as the flagship but in a more approachable style. Known as the “second wine” of Harlan Estate, The Maiden is a sought-after expression of Napa Valley’s hillside terroir and is prized among collectors of California Cult Wines.

Tasting Notes

The 2003 vintage reveals aromas of ripe blackberry, plum compote, and cocoa powder, layered with subtle notes of cedar, tobacco leaf, and earthy truffle. On the palate, it is plush and generous, showcasing flavors of dark cherry, espresso, and a touch of vanilla spice. Supple tannins and a long, warm finish mark the wine’s maturity and drinking appeal.

Winemaking & Vineyard Details

Made from younger vines and select parcels within the Harlan Estate, The Maiden blends predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon with portions of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot. Like the Grand Vin, it undergoes fermentation in small lots and is aged in French oak barrels, reflecting Harlan’s uncompromising standards of craftsmanship.

Investment & Collectibility

The 2003 The Maiden offers an accessible entry point into the Harlan portfolio while carrying the same reputation for scarcity and quality. Its approachability in youth, coupled with the pedigree of its origin, makes it both a collector’s item and a fine choice for immediate enjoyment. Perfect for your collection.

Vintage Specifics & Accolades

The **2003 vintage** in Napa Valley was marked by a warm, dry growing season, yielding ripe, concentrated wines with opulent fruit and softer structures. The Maiden reflects these characteristics with its plush texture and expressive aromatics.

  • 93 pointsRobert Parker's Wine Advocate
  • 92 pointsVinous

Explore Related Collections


You may also like

Recently viewed