1995 Harlan Estate, Napa Valley, California, USA

Harlan Estate

Harlan Estate is one of California's best-known wineries. Widely renowned, its wines possess an extraordinary complexity and potential for ageing and are some of the most sought-after in the world.

When Bill Harlan founded Harlan Estate in 1984, his vision was to produce a Californian "first growth" from the hills of Oakville. Inspired by the legendary producers of Bordeaux and pioneering producers in the USA – Robert Mondavi in particular – he planted his Napa Valley vineyards with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot.

Harlan Estate now spans 97 hectares, of which 40 are under vine. Most vineyards lie on hillsides, in terraces and closely-spaced vines. Here, the winery team primarily employs organic and biodynamic practices.

While each bottle in the range can be praised for its power and richness, the Proprietary Red is perhaps the estate's best-known wine, having received seven perfect scores from Robert Parker.

Oakville

Oakville is a renowned wine region in the heart of Napa Valley, California, USA. It is considered one of the premier appellations for producing high-quality Cabernet Sauvignon wines. The favourable climate, diverse soil types, and skilled winemaking practices have contributed to Oakville’s reputation as a top wine-producing area.

The primary grape variety is Cabernet Sauvignon, which thrives in the region’s warm climate and well-drained soils. However, you can also find other Bordeaux varietals such as Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Malbec, as well as some white wine grapes like Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc.

Oakville benefits from a Mediterranean climate with warm, sunny days and cool nights. The region’s proximity to San Pablo Bay allows for morning fog, which provides natural cooling, making it ideal for slow grape ripening and flavour development.

The diverse soils add to the complexity of the wines produced. The region features a mix of volcanic, alluvial, and sedimentary soils that offer distinct characteristics to the grapes. The Napa River runs through the area, further enriching the soils with sediment deposits.

Oakville is home to some of the most prestigious and iconic wineries in Napa Valley. Prominent names like Robert Mondavi Winery, Opus One, Far Niente, Screaming Eagle, and Harlan Estate have put Oakville on the world wine map.

Winemakers in Oakville employ various traditional and modern winemaking techniques to ensure the highest quality wines. Careful grape selection, hand harvesting, small-lot fermentations, oak barrel aging, and blending are standard practices used to craft complex and balanced wines.

In recognition of the unique terroir and distinct characteristics of the wines produced, Oakville was designated as an American Viticultural Area (AVA) in 1993. This official appellation status further solidifies the region’s significance in the wine industry.

Other Varieties

There are over 200 different grape varieties used in modern wine making (from a total of over 1000). Most lesser known blends and varieties are traditional to specific parts of the world.