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Harlan Estate

Napa Valley

Address:

Harlan Estate Winery, Oakville Grade Road, Oakville, CA, USA, Napa, United States

Website: 

Winemaker:

Cory Empting

First Vintage:

1990

PRESTIGE

5

average rating is 5 out of 5
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Summary

Where meticulous vineyard management meets uncompromising winemaking excellence, Harlan Estate stands as Napa Valley's most exclusive and sought-after wine producer. Perched in the western hills of Oakville, this 240-acre sanctuary represents the pinnacle of American winemaking ambition, crafting investment-grade Bordeaux blends that command global reverence and collector devotion.

Founded by visionary Bill Harlan with the audacious goal of creating California's first Grand Cru, Harlan Estate embodies three decades of relentless pursuit of perfection. Under winemaker Cory Empting's expert guidance, the estate continues its founding philosophy of treating winemaking as both art and science. Empting's meticulous approach honors the diverse terroir while pushing boundaries through innovative techniques, ensuring each vintage reflects the property's extraordinary potential. The estate's commitment extends beyond winemaking to encompass every detail, from sustainable farming practices to architectural harmony with the landscape.

Harlan Estate's flagship Cabernet Sauvignon blend represents the ultimate expression of Napa Valley terroir, consistently earning perfect scores from critics worldwide. Crafted from just 40 planted acres across elevations ranging from 225 to 1,225 feet, these ultra-premium wines showcase the complexity born from volcanic and sedimentary soils. The estate's second wine, The Maiden, offers earlier accessibility while maintaining the house's exacting standards. With production limited to fewer than 2,000 cases annually, these collectible wines are allocated exclusively to a select mailing list, making them among America's most coveted bottles. Each vintage represents years of patient cultivation, with grapes hand-selected from microclimates that benefit from Pacific cooling breezes and optimal sun exposure.

Visiting Harlan Estate requires advance arrangements through their exclusive appointment system, reflecting the property's commitment to intimate, personalized experiences. The estate's stunning architecture seamlessly integrates with the natural landscape, creating an atmosphere of understated elegance. Guests experience guided tastings in settings that showcase both the wines and the breathtaking valley views. The hospitality team curates each visit to reflect the estate's philosophy of excellence, offering insights into winemaking processes and terroir expression. These rare opportunities provide access to library vintages and exclusive bottlings unavailable elsewhere.

For discerning collectors seeking America's finest wines, Harlan Estate represents an essential acquisition. Contact The En Primeur Club to explore allocation opportunities and arrange exclusive tastings at this legendary Napa Valley estate.

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