Harlan Estate 1996 150cl

Inspired by a trip to some of France’s leading wine-producing regions, Bordeaux and Burgundy, founder and owner Bill Harlan set out to create his own “First Growth” estate in California. The Harlan Estate was founded in 1984 in the heart of Napa Valley, along the western hills of Oakville. With close to 100 hectares of property, 17 hectares are planted to vines, predominately Cabernet Sauvignon (70%), as well as the other Bordeaux classics, Merlot (20%), Cabernet Franc (8%) and Petit Verdot (2%). The first commercial vintage of their leading wine, Harlan Estate was released in 1990, while their second wine, Maiden debuted just five years later. Today, winemaker, Bob Levy and consulting winemaker, Michel Rolland produce elegant wines that carry a unique expression of Californian Cabernet Sauvignon, with enlightened perfumes and rich, deep flavors. This small and very high-quality producer crafts premium Bordeaux-style reds year after year. In addition, their extremely limited production (around 1,200-2000 cases per year), along with their future sale systems (like Bordeaux’s En Primeur) make for mythical creations that are regarded as true world class wines.