Both wines are complex, full-bodied and rich. The Wine Advocate has awarded the Proprietary Red Wine with 100 points four times (in 1994, 1997, 2001 and 2002) which has contributed to the estate’s flawless reputation.

Harlan also own a 32 hectare property in St. Helena called The Napa Valley Reserve. This members-only winery and vineyard project was established in 2004 and allows its prestigious, and often famous, members to create their own wines in return for an annual membership fee.

Viticulture and Vinification

The winemaker, Bob Levy, has worked with Harlan since 1983 and since 1989 the estate has retained Michel Rolland as consulting oenologist, ensuring that the utmost care and attention is paid to the quality, style and consistency of the wines.

With 17 hectares currently under vine, the topography of the estate lends itself greatly to the production of intensely concentrated fruit. The vines are grown on both volcanic and sedimentary bedrock above the Oakville bench lands and the estate’s elevation ranges from 68 to 374 metres above sea level.

The fruit is hand harvested in small batches and hand sorted. Each lot is vinified separately and the grapes are cold macerated for 5-7 days before fermentation commences with frequent pumping over.

About 14 months into the ageing process, Levy blends the wines from the various plots. The wine is then aged for between 2 and 3 years in new French oak. The wines are neither fined nor filtered prior to bottling.

Varieties

• Cabernet Sauvignon greatly dominates the plantings; Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot are also grown in small amounts.

Wines Produced

• Harlan Estate Proprietary Red Wine – First Wine: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon.
• Harlan Estate The Maiden – Second Wine: 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, and varying amounts of Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot.