$1,851-$1,851
Prices
2019-2019
Vintages
0
Sales
0
Owners
About
Harlan Estate, founded by Bill Harlan in 1984, is a premier wine estate in Napa Valley, California. Located on 240 acres of hillside land, the estate aims to create a "First Growth of California," inspired by the Bordeaux Left-Bank First Growths. The vineyard, spanning 40 acres, is planted with 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc, and 2% Petit Verdot. Known for its elegant and refined wines, Harlan Estate produces less than 3,000 cases annually, with prices ranging from $1,700 to over £15,000 per bottle. The estate is renowned for its meticulous winemaking techniques and commitment to sustainability.
History
Harlan Estate was founded in 1984 by H. William Harlan, a real estate developer and Napa Valley resort owner. Inspired by his visit to Bordeaux and Burgundy with Robert Mondavi, Harlan aimed to create a "first growth" wine in California. Initially, he purchased a 6-acre parcel of land in 1979, which eventually grew to 240 acres. The estate's vineyards, located on the western hills of Oakville, California, are known for their steep terraces and unique geology, which contributes to the high quality of the grapes.
The early vintages of Harlan Estate were produced at Merryvale Winery in St. Helena until the estate's own winery was completed in 1997. The winery was built with the guidance of renowned winemakers and consultants, including Bob Levy and Michel Rolland. The estate's flagship wine, Harlan Estate, is renowned for its Bordeaux-style blends and has received acclaim from critics like Jancis Robinson and Robert Parker, earning four scores of 100 "Parker points."
Harlan Estate's history is marked by a long-term vision, with Bill Harlan focusing on creating a wine that would stand the test of time. The estate's unique terroir, including its elevation and soil composition, has been instrumental in producing wines of exceptional quality and character. Today, the estate is managed by Will Harlan, who continues his father's legacy with a 200-year plan for the estate's future.
Terroir
Harlan Estate's terroir is characterized by its diverse and geologically varied landscape. The estate spans 240 acres in the western hills of Oakville, California, with elevations ranging from 225 to 1,225 feet above sea level. This elevation range creates a rich tapestry of microclimates and soil types, including volcanic soils on the east side and sedimentary soils on the west. The vineyards are planted on steep, well-drained hillsides, which contribute to low yields and slow, even ripening. The diverse soils and topography foster a unique terroir that emphasizes complexity and depth in the wines.
The human factors associated with the site also play a crucial role in defining Harlan Estate's terroir. The winemaking team meticulously manages the vineyards to ensure that the grapes reflect the character of the land. Decisions about planting, pruning, harvesting, and winemaking techniques are all guided by a deep understanding of the site's potential and the goal of producing wines that are an expression of the terroir. This approach involves managing stress on the vines to produce fruit of the greatest character and quality, thereby taming the powerful site in an elegant way[1][4].