In 1983, when Bill Harlan bought an estate in a steep, forested area of Oakville, his aim was to create a Napa Valley First Growth. Whether he has come that far is open to argument, but he certainly has come close. A slew of 100-point scores from Robert Parker have catapulted the wine’s reputation, not to mention its price tag, since the first vintage was released in 1996 Harlan's boldly flavored, multi-layered and expensive red wine comes from a 40 acre vineyard, planted to 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot. The flagship wine, one of the bluest of California’s blue-chip collectibles, is sumptuous and powerful but also elegant and very complex, capable of aging 25-30 years. The Maiden, Harlan’s second wine displays many of the characteristics of its big sister, but is a little easier on the wallet.