Harlan Estate was founded in 1984 by the visionary Bill Harlan and is now one of the most sought-after wines of the Napa Valley. For 37 years, Bill has been pursuing his mission to create a 'first growth' of California in the hills of Oakland.
The Harlan Estate shares the same climatic characteristics as neighbouring Martha’s Vineyard and Beckstoffer To-Kalon, yet occupies a higher position on the hillside where overall cooler temperatures and greater swings between daytime and night-time temperatures encourage ripening whilst preserving acid. The estate’s early vineyard development began with just six acres. Today this cult estate's planting is essentially complete, with nearly forty acres under vine to the classic varietals: cabernet sauvignon, merlot, cabernet franc, and petit verdot.
The Harlan Estate shares the same climatic characteristics as neighbouring Martha’s Vineyard and Beckstoffer To-Kalon, yet occupies a higher position on the hillside where overall cooler temperatures and greater swings between daytime and night-time temperatures encourage ripening whilst preserving acid. The estate’s early vineyard development began with just six acres. Today this cult estate's planting is essentially complete, with nearly forty acres under vine to the classic varietals: cabernet sauvignon, merlot, cabernet franc, and petit verdot.
Harlan's flagship wine is their Harlan Estate, predominantely cabernet sauvignon, which they blend with varying amounts of the other three varietals to express the unique and distinctive character of the site and vintage. The winemaking process is meticulous, exemplified in their detailed Notes Of A Winemaker, where the care and attention lavished on the vinification is clear for all to see. This proprietary red has received eight perfect 100-point scores from Robert Parker, with the remaining vintages scoring in the high 90s. These high scores, combined with low production volumes, have given Harlan Estate all the hallmarks of a mythical cult 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 Parker, The Wine Advocate
“One of the ten best wines of the twentieth century” - Jancis Robinson
Considered incorrectly by some as a 'second wine', The Maiden offers a completely different blend to its big sister, yet remains faithful to Harlan's pedigree and exacting high standards. This is a unique, highly detailed, superbly textured and full-bodied wine in itself.
"These wines possess all the elements of greatness - individuality, power combined with elegance, extraordinary complexity, remarkable aging potential, and compelling richness without ponderousness." - Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate
“One of the ten best wines of the twentieth century” - Jancis Robinson
Considered incorrectly by some as a 'second wine', The Maiden offers a completely different blend to its big sister, yet remains faithful to Harlan's pedigree and exacting high standards. This is a unique, highly detailed, superbly textured and full-bodied wine in itself.
Harlan’s wine labels have an interesting story too. They are designed and printed by the 250-year-old American Bank Note Company, which used to print the United States currency before the U.S. Treasury was established. The label is even printed on banknote paper and, according to Bill Harlan, is "a label designed for a bottle that would sit on a table in candlelight, not on a store shelf".
The winery also has a link to America’s past, built from repurposed timber and salvaged sandstone blocks from an abandoned historic railroad building in Nevada. Every detail, from vineyards to labels and winery design, reflects a relentless drive for quality at Harlan Estate.
Only about 1800-2000 Harlan Estate cases are produced each year, and distribution is very selective. We are happy to be able to offer a selection of both Harlan Estate and The Maiden covering a number of vintages:
The winery also has a link to America’s past, built from repurposed timber and salvaged sandstone blocks from an abandoned historic railroad building in Nevada. Every detail, from vineyards to labels and winery design, reflects a relentless drive for quality at Harlan Estate.
Only about 1800-2000 Harlan Estate cases are produced each year, and distribution is very selective. We are happy to be able to offer a selection of both Harlan Estate and The Maiden covering a number of vintages:
|
Producer |
Description |
Vintage |
Unit |
Qty of Units |
Price per Unit |
Score |
|
Harlan |
Estate |
2004 |
3x75cl |
1 |
£3,150.00 |
98 WA |
|
Harlan |
Estate |
2006 |
75cl |
6 |
£980.00 |
96 WA |
|
Harlan |
Estate |
2009 |
75cl |
6 |
£980.00 |
97 WA |
|
Harlan |
Estate |
2018* |
3x75cl |
3 |
£4,295.00 |
97-100 WA |
|
Harlan |
The Maiden |
2004 |
75cl |
1 |
£295.00 |
92 WA |
|
Harlan |
The Maiden |
2006 |
75cl |
3 |
£295.00 |
93 WS |
|
Harlan |
The Maiden |
2007 |
75cl |
3 |
£305.00 |
93 WA |
|
Harlan |
The Maiden |
2016 |
3x75cl |
1 |
£1,195.00 |
96 JD, 97 JS |
* Due in later this year
