History of Harlan Estate
Founded in 1984 by H. William Harlan, a visionary entrepreneur with a deep love for great wines, Harlan Estate was conceived with the ambition of creating a “First Growth of California.” Harlan's journey began in the late 1970s, when he acquired a rugged, forested property in the western hills of Oakville, a site he believed could yield wines to rival the best of Bordeaux. Over time, he meticulously cleared and planted 40 hectares of vineyards on the estate’s 240-hectare property.
Harlan's mission was not merely to make wine, but to craft a legacy. In collaboration with acclaimed winemaker Bob Levy and enologist Michel Rolland, he sought to create wines of structure, depth, and extraordinary finesse. The first commercial vintage was released in 1990, and in a few short years, Harlan Estate quickly rose to prominence.
Critical acclaim followed, with Robert Parker awarding multiple 100-point scores, and Wine Spectator hailing it as one of the top estates in America. Today, the estate remains family-owned and operated, with Will Harlan, Bill’s son, gradually stepping into leadership and ensuring the continuity of its uncompromising standards.
Region and Vineyards
The Harlan Estate vineyards are situated on a southwestern-facing hillside above the Oakville benchland, in the heart of Napa Valley. Ranging in elevation from 68 to 374 meters, the site includes diverse soil types—volcanic, sedimentary, and clay—spread across steep slopes, plateaus, and terraces. The complex topography and mosaic of microclimates contribute to the wine’s layered structure and remarkable depth.
The vineyards are densely planted and organically farmed, with an emphasis on sustainability and detailed parcel management. The low yields and precise viticultural practices result in fruit of extraordinary concentration and balance. Cabernet Sauvignon dominates the plantings, alongside smaller parcels of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot, all of which are blended to compose the flagship wine.
Wine Range of Harlan Estate
Harlan Estate produces a single, flagship wine—a red blend that typically contains around 85–90% Cabernet Sauvignon, completed by Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot. It is aged for 24 to 36 months in 100% new French oak and bottled unfined and unfiltered.
In addition to the estate wine, the Harlan family also owns Bond, a separate winery dedicated to single-vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon expressions, and Promontory, another estate located on the southwestern edge of Oakville with a distinct geological profile.
Did you know?
Harlan Estate is one of the most collectible wines in the world, often compared to the First Growths of Bordeaux. It is allocated through a private mailing list and consistently ranks among the highest-priced and most sought-after Californian wines at auction.
