Californian “First Growth” from the Hills of Oakville

“If we can enrich people’s lives, and just maybe inspire them to do something beyond what they might otherwise have done, that brings us great satisfaction. Our purpose is to help our patrons to have an even more enjoyable and healthy life.” – H. William Harlan

The Estate

Founded in 1984, Harlan Estate is a winegrowing estate in the western hills of Oakville, California – in the heart of the Napa Valley. Consisting of 240 acres of natural splendor set above the fabled Oakville benchlands, the estate is built upon the transition zone between the wild terrain of the forest and the open plain of the valley. Much of the character of the wine comes from the fact that the vineyards are carved from-and next to-these wild lands, this forest, and these woodlands.

The Vineyard

Forty acres under vine, planted to cabernet sauvignon (70%), merlot (20%), cabernet franc (8%), and petit verdot (2%). All hillside siting, on both volcanic and sedimentary bedrock; a combination of terraced vineyards and closely spaced vines on spare soils over fractured rock; vertical trellis with shoot positioning, 360º of exposition.

The 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 M. Parker, Jr.

2018 Harlan Estate

“Classy earth, oak and bay-leaf character on the nose, together with dark fruit, such as currants and blackberries. Forest flowers, too. Full-to medium-bodied, linear and tight with coolness and freshness. Mint and spearmint to the dark fruit. Lasts a long time. Such balance and intensity. Tight now, but great energy and length this year. Incredibly sophisticated and seductive. A joy to taste now, but try in 2025.” – James Suckling 100 Points

Bill Harlan founded Harlan Estates in 1984 in Oakville, Napa Valley, and has made an international name for himself with high-quality red wine from classic Bordeaux varieties. Today, in addition to Harlan Estate, the company includes the Bond, Meadowood, The Mascot, Promontory and The Napa Valley Reserve wineries. Harlan cultivates 16 hectares plus Bond with 18 hectares and Promontory with 32 hectares. The total annual production is around 7,000 cases. The company exports to more than 50 countries. The key markets outside the USA are the UK, Switzerland, Hong Kong, and Japan. The wines achieve top prices.