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Harlan Estate

Review by Dave 1 Comment

We chose Harlan Estate for this milestone visit because of their well-regarded reputation for quality, the instant name recognition and because of Mr. Harlan’s unique personal contributions, influence and history in Napa Valley over the past 40+ years.

Harlan went to school at the University of California Berkeley; his first introduction to Napa Valley was in 1959 (at this time, Napa served the purpose of weekend getaways for bringing his dates up from Berkeley). Lured by the natural beauty and eventually by the potential for growing wine grapes his visits became more frequent. His passion for wine started in his teens. Mr. Harlan attended the opening day of Robert Mondavi’s winery in 1966 and by this time was already nurturing a dream of owning his own wine estate (although perhaps he didn’t realize at the time, that Robert Mondavi Winery would one day be one of his ‘neighbors’.

He traveled to Europe and visited some of the great estates in Burgundy and Bordeaux all the while taking copious notes. He fell in love with Bordeaux and was taken in with the quality and consistency of the wines from these estates.

Before his involvement in Napa Valley, Harlan and his partner Peter Stocker founded Pacific Union Land Company in 1975, with an initial focus of selling condominiums and developing condominium projects in the San Francisco Bay Area. The company is still very much active, based in Danville and focuses on land, residential, self-storage and commercial development.

Before Harlan there was Sunny St. Helena/Merryvale which was among the first wineries to be built after Prohibition in the Napa Valley. Harlan and his real estate partners including Peter Stocker and John Montgomery purchased this old winery site in 1983 and completely renovated the winery/hospitality buildings.

Harlan Estate has been built around a great vineyard site, but also, just as equally important, Bill Harlan has attracted some of the brightest individuals to his team, both in the vineyard and in the cellar. It was during his time overseeing Merryvale that Harlan met three men who would be very instrumental as he developed his various properties in the valley: Don Weaver (later General Manager of Harlan Estate), winemaker Bob Levy and consulting winemaker Michel Rolland.

The first vintages of Harlan Estate were produced at Merryvale Winery in St. Helena until their own winery was completed in time for the 1997 harvest. Winemaker Martha McClellan worked on making some of the early vintages of Harlan Estate (1995-2000), initially at Merryvale Vineyards and then transitioned to Harlan Estate once the winery was built.

Harlan sold his interest in Merryvale in the mid 1990s. And before Merryvale there was Meadowood, still one of the most exclusive lodging options in the Napa Valley. Meadowood was established by Bill Harlan in 1979 and for decades was home to Auction Napa Valley, one of the country’s largest charity wine auctions, held the first week of every June.

Not to be outdone is Napa Valley’s most exclusive “wine club”, the Napa Valley Reserve which was also started by Bill Harlan. Located adjacent to Meadowood this exclusive invitation only wine club includes access to a top winemaking team, specially produced private-label wine, use of facilities, special events, travels, and educational events. The initiation fee at the time of this review runs approximately $165,000.

Harlan purchased the original land to eventually become Harlan Estate in 1984; at that time, despite being 40 years ago, the property was completely forested and covered with native vegetation. The original purchase was 6 acres; this has grown to 240 acres today with 40 acres under vine. Mr. Harlan had the foresight and vision to turn this hillside acreage into a world class “first growth” vineyard of Napa Valley.

The property is meticulously maintained. The vines were originally planted by David Abreu and overseen for 15 years; his role today is more of a consultant with noted viticulturist Mary Maher handling the in-house day to day vineyard management (her father is Dick Maher, former president of Beringer Vineyards and her husband is noted viticulturist, Kelly Maher). The property elevation ranges from just above the valley floor at 150 feet to the high point at 1200 feet but vineyards are only planted between about 300 to 500 feet.

Harlan’s first “vintage” was 1987 but this was not released. Neither was the 88 or the 89. 1990 was their first released commercial vintage (very small production), and at a price point of $65 when it was released in 1996, sounds affordable today, but was among the higher priced wines of that vintage from Napa Valley. The 1991 was also released simultaneously. Harlan was not in a hurry to push wine to market after purchasing the property. Mr. Harlan’s focus on Harlan Estate has always been a long term one – thinking out decades in the future.

For a winery with such instant name recognition, the entrance is very unassuming. The winery itself is nestled among native oaks and other vegetation on top of a small knoll. As they say at the winery, “we let the views do the heavy lifting around here”. Looking east one has vistas of the entire central part of Napa Valley including a panoramic view across Oakville.

The winery was designed by well-known architect Howard Backen; he has worked with Bill Harlan on various projects for many years. Backen’s wineries are built to be unobtrusive from the outside, but perhaps make a statement on the inside. He has designed a number of premium winery properties in Napa Valley including Ovid, Dana Estate and nearby Futo Estate.

The focus on quality is clearly evident when entering the winery. Cleanliness and aesthetics are key here. All barrels are perfectly lined up using a laser sight. They stay lined up until bottling; Harlan Estate does not rack the barrels. Nevertheless, this is a working winery and function is blended seamlessly with form.

Only perfectly ripe berries are allowed to begin fermentation using indigenous yeasts. The grapes are picked and carefully taken to the winery in small picking bins; the fruit then undergoes triage (triple sorting, cluster, de-stemmer and finally by hand). The wine is fermented in large oak open top casks which are used for 3 harvests and then traded out for new ones. From the fermentation room, the wine is gravity fed to the cellar below.

Bob Levy has been involved in the wine making side of the operations since day one (before Harlan he was involved at Merryvale) and was winemaker for many years until more recently. Today his role is Director of Winegrowing and Cory Empting has taken over as their full-time winemaker. All critical blending decisions are always made by the core Harlan team as well as flying French consulting winemaker Michel Rolland.

Harlan’s wine label has an interesting story. It was designed and is still printed by a private printing / engraving company who used to print the United States currency before the U.S. Treasury was established. The idea was to create a label that looked like an engraving for a bottle, that by itself was a piece of art.

Harlan produces a second wine called “The Maiden” crafted from barreled wines that do not make it into the Harlan Estate wine. This wine is led by Cabernet Sauvignon but with sizable percentages of Cabernet Franc and Merlot in the blend.

Surprisingly, Harlan has distribution in about 35 states and 30 countries – yet with a production of only 1800 cases and their price point, distribution is very selective. Locally one can find the wine at times, at several places in Napa Valley including part of a tasting at K.Laz in Yountville and at the Oakville Grocery. Harlan sells direct, but one must be on their mailing list. To join the waiting list, visit: www.harlanestate.com

September 14, 2020 at 1:19 pm

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Three decades of Napa’s Harlan Estate

Words by Adam Lechmere

Photography by Alexander Rubin

As perhaps befits a man on the brink of his 9 th decade, Bill Harlan measures time not in weeks, months or even years, but decades, half-centuries, centuries. It seems natural, sitting as we are among the grand oak fermenters at Harlan , having finished a tasting of 27 vintages of this most renowned of wines, to look at the broad sweep of time both forward and back.

Harlan, who turns 80 in September, has talked before about his “200-year plan” for the great Napa estate. “This is a work in progress. If you have a long-term plan it makes short-term decisions easier – is this the best decision for the long term? So we ask, how many times a century will we be replanting? Then interplanting of rows and vines – should that be every 40 years or every 50 years?”

Longevity has always been the plan, ever since 1984, when Harlan, Ric Forman and David Abreu identified six acres of hillside above Oakville as land with the potential to make first-class wine. It was a heavily-wooded parcel, chiefly volcanic and sedimentary soil bedrock, which over time would be expanded to the 100ha (240 acre) horse-shoe of ridge, shallow valley and mountainside, with aspects to all points of the compass, that the winery sits on today. To stand on the terrace and look east over Napa is to get a sense of the extraordinary vastness and beauty of the land.

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Harlan’s goal is simple: “we need to know how better to express the character of the property.” The soil is key, of course, but there’s a certain poetry to this slight, grizzled adventurer (something of a daredevil in his youth, he founded the Pacific Union real estate company in 1984 and went on to develop upscale resort Meadowood and co-found Merryvale winery before realising his dream in Harlan Estate. He’s said to be a ferocious negotiator. “You wouldn’t want to get into a poker game with him,” one observer has noted). “Most of the estate is wild land. You still have the animals, the fresh smell of the air, the forest floor. All these things make up the character of the wines.”

Harlan has no intention of expanding the 16ha (40acre) vineyard, which produces an average 2,000 bottles a year – just making it “better, and stronger”. He considers that the period of “stabilising” is over, and they are now into a process of “establishing”.

Harlan’s goal is simple: “we need to know how better to express the character of the property”

It’s a subtle difference, and when Harlan hands over full responsibility to his son Will and daughter Amanda later this year (“an 80-year-old oughtn’t to be running anything”), they will have decades of experience to draw on. Bob Levy, the director of winegrowing, joined full-time in 1990, winemaker Cory Empting has been there 20 years, estate director Don Weaver since 1986 – two generations of treading the dirt. This is not to mention the “vinemasters” – veteran vineyard workers who are given total responsibility for sections of vineyard, in order to “get to know each vine,” as Harlan puts it. “The continuity is understanding the land.”

The tasting took place at a long table in the fermentation room at Harlan Estate in early March 2020. As well as Bill and Will Harlan, Levy, Empting and Weaver were present, Harlan educator Kelli White, Jamie Ritchie, head of Sotheby’s fine wine, Jim Walker (a long-standing Harlan collector) and critic Elaine Chukan Brown.

The vintages were tasted young to old, 2016 to 1990, in three flights of nine wines. Harlan talked of a work in progress: this was to see it in operation, a clear progression as vines get older, the estate increases in size and parcel selection gets more targeted. Today a blending session comprises up to 150 wines, taken from multiple different vineyard samples, tanks and barrels.

This was, without doubt, one of the signature tastings of my career. These are some of the most expensive and sought-after wines in the world, and to spend a day tasting them – out of magnum – was a remarkable experience. This is not to say that the wines were approached with undue reverence. Harlan, his longstanding team, and the few guests examined each flight with concentration but not awe.

The Harlan style runs through the vintages, getting stronger towards the present. The finest wines are brightly perfumed in youth and mellowing to dried petals and dried herb as they age; there is earth, blue fruit ageing to dark, a certain savouriness and sometimes an animal tang (“most of the estate is wild land”). Another hallmark is understated energy, a pure and clear line that runs through each wine and through the decades. The wines have weight and heft – you know where you are with them – but only once was alcohol, or over-ripeness, mentioned. There is marked vintage variation – the notoriously cool and wet 2011, or the famously warm 1997, for example, are unmistakeable.

From Bordeaux to Napa, wines of great renown are sometimes described as “smart”, which means they are in some way tailored; they may be delicious, but they are made with an audience in mind. Harlan Estate doesn’t give that impression: you rather understand that here is a winemaker and a team searching for an interpretation of a terroir that is not fixed but changing as the vines age. Bill Harlan returns to this theme again and again. He talks of having “captured” the land, of its protean nature – “as the roots go deeper, the shapes of your blocks move and evolve like amoebas. It’s organic – you don’t lay out the blocks for good, you learn how they change, by being out there in the field.”

As the land changes so do its stewards. The official handover to the next generation is imminent and Harlan is happy. “Everything seems to be in place,” he says. “They’ve never done this before, and I’ve never done it before, but it’s working well.”

The panel’s full comments on all the wines can be found here

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Harlan Estate

1551 Oakville Grade , Napa, CA 94558

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About This Winery

Interested in wine tasting at Harlan Estate. Let us tell you a little about what you can expect that this world renown winery.

A stone ranch house sits in the hills around Oakville, a sentinel looking over the vineyards of H. William Harlan. The vineyard sits between the open plain of the valley and the forested Western hills, 225 to 1225 feet above sea level. Combined with the spare soils, this the perfect place to grow merlot, cabernet franc, cabernet sauvignon and petit verdot, but the blocks themselves merely dot this mountain. They are mere spots of order in 240 acres of natural beauty. The vineyards are terraced to contours that team members, many of whom have been with Harlan since the 1980’s, know intimately.

This naturally gorgeous landscape produces wine that has been rated 100 points by Parker, and the only way to taste it is to get on their mailing list to receive shipments. The only way to visit this place is to call for an appointment. However, you will see why they are so selective once you are there. You park under a grape vine trellis that immediately gives you a view of the valley and its rolling landscape of vines and trees. The winery has a breathtaking hardscape, including a peaceful fountain, an enclosed front courtyard, and a cellar door made of metal-studded wood. The property architecture is stunning and elegant, just like their wines. Anyone wanting to experience Oakville’s finest should give Harlan Estate a call.

Bottles of Harlan Estate cost between $200 and $2000 for a 750 ml bottle. That makes Harlan one of the most expensive California wines on the market. You will not find Harlan in many places, but it is available online through wine.com and a few other sources. You best bet is to get on the list to receive allocations of the their wine.

Address: 1551 Oakville Grade, Oakville

Mailing address PO Box 352, Oakville and Office address 1022 Main Street Ste B, St. Helena

Phone: (707) 944-1441

Tasting Room Hours: By appointment

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Wine tasting with bill and will harlan, the owners of napa valley’s cult classic, harlan estate.

Haute Wine + Spirits , News

by Haute Living

ABOUT HARLAN ESTATE

Harlan Estate is one of the most iconic wines in Napa Valley, an Oakville-based cult winery that produces mainly Bordeaux-style blends. It is one of the most sought-after Californian wines on the market, and therefore, one of the hardest to obtain. It’s owners, Bill and Will Harlan, are the focus of our most recent Haute Wine & Spirits cover story.     

ABOUT: BILL HARLAN

Native Californian H. William “Bill” Harlan is the co-founder of 1974 Pacific Union Co., a private diversified real estate development and investment firm in San Francisco. In 1979, along with his partner, he re-envisioned Meadowood Napa Valley, now a Relais and Chateaux hotel with a three-Michelin three-star restaurant. He established three winegrowing properties in the decades that followed: Harlan Estate in 1984 (which is also the family home); BOND in 1996; and in 2000, the Napa Valley Reserve, a members-only winery and vineyard located in St. Helena. In 2008, he began “setting a foundation” for the next generation with the acquisition of a new Napa Valley territory, Promontory.

ABOUT: WILL HARLAN

After graduating from Duke University in 2009, Will Harlan began working on a consumer-internet startup in San Francisco, while simultaneously and quietly laying the groundwork for a wine project. Announced in 2013, The Mascot —a wine made from the younger vines of the Harlan family domain—marked Will’s official shift into the wine business. In 2017, Will assumed leadership of Promontory, the Harlan family’s most recently formed winegrowing endeavor in the Napa Valley. Beginning in January of 2021, Will’s responsibilities expanded to encompass oversight of all the family’s winegrowing properties when his father appointed him Managing Director of Domain H. William Harlan, which comprises Harlan Estate, BOND, Promontory, and The Mascot.

THE WINES: 2017 + 2018 HARLAN ESTATE

Photo Credit: Harlan Estate

On the creation of the 2017, which was harvested during the 2017 Napa Valley wildfires : “By the time they had started, we had already harvested, the vast majority of our fruit and that was safely in the cellar and really it’s from that fruit that we brought in before the fires that that the 2017 is produced. Overall, you know, it’s a very emotional vintage. It was one that we had a little bit of everything throughout the season, and it was one of you know very early on a little bit enigmatic to try to understand, but now that it’s had a little bit of time, it’s really come into its own. I think it’s become one of our one of our favorite wines it’s just it’s got this wonderful clarity, this wonderful transparency to it. And you know, I think the structure has because of that has almost this crystalline feel to it, which is not often found in Napa Valley Cabernets. We just brought this to the market last year for the first time, and we didn’t make very much of it, so we had to be very, very careful about how we we place to this vintage, but every year that goes by, I think we we form an even stronger emotional attachment to it.”

On the effects of climate change : “We are certainly feeling the effects of climate change. I think here we see it mostly with the drought cycles; we’re just getting more extreme weather. I wouldn’t say on average it’s necessarily been warmer, but certainly we’ve had quite extended periods of drought, and so, how we approach our farming has has shifted a lot — getting to the point of really dry farming the property has been has been really, really important. The way that we maintain the cover crops to maintain the moisture in the soil, the way that we — as we replant the road direction, the vine spacing getting cross shading between the rows — really is all working to create a slightly cooler, slightly more human environment for the vines, to be able to survive these extended periods of drought, without needing to irrigate. I mean, that’s just in the farming side, but then you consider that Harlan Estate, surrounded completely by forest — and you know the forest plays a huge role in the character of the wind as well — and from a drought and again, the wildfire standpoint, we’ve got to make sure that the forests are as healthy as they can be. That just takes care of the forest and making sure that we’re reducing ladder fuels, reducing the you know the density of the canopy etc, so that we get good airflow. Over time, we’ve seen this blurring of the lines between our farming crew and and the forest crew, and each one is really learning from from the other. Even in our cover crop regimes, we found a few annual perennial plants that actually work really well, and in  between the rows, and it’s become a very holistic philosophy, for us, looking at the whole property — not just a venue with planted vineyards.”

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The Harlan Family and Promontory: A Legendary Legacy in Napa

The History and Legacy of The Harlan Family in Napa Valley

The Harlan family has left an indelible mark on the Napa Valley wine industry, with their legacy spanning several generations. Their story begins in the late 19th century when William Harlan Sr. arrived in California from the Midwest. He was drawn to the fertile lands of Napa Valley and saw the potential for winemaking in the region.

In 1984, William Harlan Jr. founded Harlan Estate, a winery that would become synonymous with excellence and luxury. The family’s commitment to producing exceptional wines was evident from the start, as they meticulously selected the best vineyard sites and employed innovative winemaking techniques.

One of the most significant milestones in the Harlan family’s history was the acquisition of the Promontory vineyard in 2008. This historic property, located on the western edge of Oakville, had a rich viticultural history dating back to the 19th century. The Harlans recognized its potential and set out to restore the vineyard to its former glory.

The restoration process was a labor of love, with the family investing significant time and resources into revitalizing the vineyard. They meticulously replanted the vineyard, carefully selecting the best grape varieties for each block. The goal was to create a vineyard that would produce wines of exceptional quality and express the unique terroir of the site.

Today, Promontory is recognized as one of Napa Valley’s most prestigious vineyards, producing wines that are highly sought after by collectors and connoisseurs alike. The Harlan family’s dedication to quality and their unwavering commitment to excellence have firmly established Promontory as a benchmark for Napa Valley wines.

The Harlan family’s impact on the Napa Valley wine industry extends beyond their own wineries. They have been instrumental in promoting sustainable viticulture practices and have actively supported research and education in the field. Their commitment to preserving the environment and ensuring the long-term viability of the region’s vineyards is a testament to their stewardship.

In addition to their contributions to the wine industry, the Harlan family has also been actively involved in philanthropy. They have generously supported various charitable organizations, focusing on education, healthcare, and the arts. Their philanthropic efforts have had a significant impact on the local community, further cementing their legacy in Napa Valley.

The Harlan family’s story is one of passion, dedication, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Their commitment to producing exceptional wines and their contributions to the Napa Valley community have made them true legends in the industry. Their legacy will continue to inspire future generations of winemakers and ensure that Napa Valley remains at the forefront of the global wine scene.

In conclusion, the Harlan family’s history and legacy in Napa Valley are deeply intertwined with the region’s wine industry. From their founding of Harlan Estate to the acquisition and restoration of the Promontory vineyard, their commitment to quality and excellence has set them apart. Their contributions to sustainable viticulture and philanthropy further solidify their place as true legends in Napa Valley. The Harlan family’s story serves as a reminder of the power of passion and dedication in creating a lasting legacy.

Exploring the Promontory Estate: A Hidden Gem in Napa Valley

Promontory Estate is a relatively new addition to the Harlan family’s portfolio, with its first vintage released in 2008. However, the roots of the estate can be traced back to the 1980s when Bill Harlan, the patriarch of the family, first set his sights on the Napa Valley. Recognizing the region’s potential for producing world-class wines, he purchased a 550-acre property in Oakville and began the meticulous process of transforming it into a vineyard.

What sets Promontory Estate apart from other wineries in Napa Valley is its commitment to biodynamic farming practices. The Harlan family believes in working in harmony with nature, and this philosophy is reflected in every aspect of their winemaking process. From the careful selection of grape varieties to the use of cover crops and composting, every decision is made with the goal of creating wines that are a true expression of the land.

Visitors to Promontory Estate are treated to a truly immersive experience. The estate offers private tours and tastings, allowing guests to explore the vineyards and learn about the unique terroir that gives Promontory wines their distinctive character. The tour guides are knowledgeable and passionate, providing insights into the winemaking process and sharing stories about the Harlan family’s journey in Napa Valley.

One of the highlights of a visit to Promontory Estate is the opportunity to taste their exceptional wines. The estate produces a limited number of bottles each year, and they are highly sought after by collectors and connoisseurs around the world. The wines are known for their elegance, complexity, and age-worthiness, reflecting the meticulous attention to detail that goes into every step of the winemaking process.

Promontory Estate also offers a unique dining experience for guests. The estate’s culinary team creates seasonal menus that are carefully paired with Promontory wines, allowing visitors to savor the flavors of Napa Valley in a picturesque setting. Whether it’s a leisurely lunch overlooking the vineyards or an intimate dinner in the estate’s private dining room, every meal at Promontory is a celebration of the region’s bounty.

In addition to its commitment to producing exceptional wines, Promontory Estate is also dedicated to sustainability. The estate has implemented numerous initiatives to reduce its environmental impact, including the use of solar power, water conservation measures, and the preservation of natural habitats. The Harlan family understands that the health of the land is essential to the quality of their wines, and they are committed to being good stewards of the environment.

A visit to Promontory Estate is a journey into the heart of Napa Valley’s winemaking heritage. From the breathtaking views of the vineyards to the exquisite wines and culinary delights, every aspect of the experience is designed to create lasting memories. The Harlan family’s commitment to excellence and sustainability is evident in every glass of Promontory wine, making it a must-visit destination for wine lovers from around the world.

The Winemaking Philosophy and Techniques of The Harlan Family at Promontory

The Harlan Family has long been associated with excellence in winemaking, and their latest venture, Promontory, is no exception. With a rich history and a commitment to quality, the Harlan Family has established a legendary legacy in Napa Valley.

At Promontory, the winemaking philosophy is rooted in a deep respect for the land and a desire to create wines that reflect the unique terroir of the region. The family believes that great wines are made in the vineyard, and they take a hands-on approach to every aspect of the winemaking process.

One of the key techniques employed by the Harlan Family is biodynamic farming. This holistic approach to agriculture focuses on creating a self-sustaining ecosystem that promotes the health and vitality of the vineyard. By using natural methods to control pests and diseases, and by incorporating cover crops and compost into the soil, the Harlan Family is able to create a balanced and healthy environment for their vines to thrive.

In addition to biodynamic farming, the Harlan Family also practices organic farming. This means that no synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, or herbicides are used in the vineyard. Instead, they rely on natural methods to nourish the soil and protect the vines. This commitment to organic farming not only ensures the health of the vineyard, but also produces grapes of exceptional quality.

Once the grapes are harvested, the winemaking process begins. The Harlan Family takes a minimalist approach in the cellar, allowing the grapes to express themselves fully. The grapes are gently crushed and fermented using native yeasts, which are naturally present on the grape skins. This allows for a slow and gentle fermentation process, which helps to preserve the delicate flavors and aromas of the grapes.

After fermentation, the wines are aged in French oak barrels. The Harlan Family believes that oak should enhance, rather than dominate, the flavors of the wine. They carefully select barrels that will complement the characteristics of each vintage, and the wines are aged for an extended period of time to allow for optimal development.

Throughout the winemaking process, the Harlan Family pays close attention to every detail. From the vineyard to the cellar, they strive for perfection in every aspect of winemaking. This attention to detail is evident in the final product – wines that are elegant, complex, and age-worthy.

The Harlan Family’s commitment to quality and their dedication to the land have earned them a reputation as one of the premier winemaking families in Napa Valley. Their wines are highly sought after by collectors and connoisseurs around the world, and their legacy continues to grow with each passing vintage.

In conclusion, the winemaking philosophy and techniques of the Harlan Family at Promontory are a testament to their commitment to excellence. Through biodynamic and organic farming practices, a minimalist approach in the cellar, and a meticulous attention to detail, they have created wines that are truly exceptional. The Harlan Family’s legacy in Napa Valley is one of passion, dedication, and a deep respect for the land.

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Harlan Estate

The true beginning of Harlan Estate dates to 1984 in the western hills of Oakville, California, the heart of Napa Valley. The Harlan family had a plan to create a California equivalent of a Bordeaux first growth, producing a wine that would command global praise. Harlan is known for their estate wine, and their second label, The Maiden.

In 1997, Harlan founded BOND in collaboration with winemaker Bob Levy to again produce more prestigious wines from Napa Valley. It’s hard to say exactly why the wines are as good as they are, except to point to obvious factors, such as location, terroir and the talents of Harlan’s longtime team, but they have undoubtedly earned their supreme cult status.

Tours & Tastings

11300 Cienega Rd Hollister, CA 95023 (831) 637-9170 [email protected]  

Tasting Appointments: 11am - 4:30pm Open Daily Walk-ins are welcome

Groups of 6-12

We can host large groups up to twelve guests. For parties of six to twelve, contact us in advance for pricing and availability. Group Reservation

Tastings at the Winery

We invite you to visit Calera located at 11300 Cienega Road outside Hollister, CA. Here you will be able to take in the beautiful views of the Diablo Mountain Range, see our hillside one-of-a-kind seven level gravity flow winery, and learn about our history and exquisite wines. In order to provide an excellent tasting experience reservations are recommended.

In addition to certified service animals, we welcome well-behaved dogs on leash on the property for outdoor tastings.

Calera Overlook Tasting - $25/person + tax

Join us in the heart of the Gabilan Mountain Range for a current release tasting of sought-after Calera wines. Our wine specialists are committed to providing an incredible and informative wine tasting experience while you are led through a lineup of five wines. Enjoy this hour-long tasting under our mulberry canopies that overlook a peaceful view of San Benito County that extends to the Diablo Mountain Range. During inclement weather, we bring this experience indoors to our airy tasting room for your comfort. We look forward to welcoming you.

Wine Club Membership: All club members receive complimentary wine tasting experiences for up to four adults, with member present.

Cost: $25+ tax / person Duration: 60 minutes

Reservations recommended. Please call or book online.

Calera Overlook - Reserve Via Tock

Mt. Harlan Estate Tasting - $60/person + tax

Start your experience with a glass of Mt. Harlan Chardonnay and enjoy a private walking tour of our Calera wine caves. Your guide will highlight the history of Mt. Harlan terroir, our winemaking practices, and founder Josh Jensen’s vision for California Pinot Noir. End your walking tour at our Mt. Harlan Estate Room and enjoy a library wine-tasting flight of Mt. Harlan Estate Vineyard Pinot Noirs paired with an artisanal charcuterie spread.

Offered: Monday, Thursday, and Friday at 11:00 am and 2:00 pm Cost: $60/person + tax, 6 person max Duration: 90 minutes Membership: Club members receive a savings of $20 for up to 4 guests, with a member present. *Please note the guided cave tour is offered seasonally, as available.

No pets or guests under the age of 21 are permitted in this experience; please inform all guests in your party. This experience has a 24-hour cancellation policy.

Mt. Harlan Tasting - Reserve Via Tock

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Harlan Estate

[email protected] | +44 203 925 4526

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2020 Harlan Estate

2020 harlan estate - "beautifully poised".

Ahead of its imminent release, Senior Portfolio Manager Matt Small looks into why the upcoming release of the 2020 Harlan Estate is a significant milestone in the estate’s history. 

Harlan Estate stands as an icon within the realms of fine winemaking. Nestled in the western hills of Oakville, this renowned winery has consistently produced some of the most sought-after and critically acclaimed wines in the world.

Founded by real estate developer H. William Harlan in 1984, Harlan Estate has become synonymous with a commitment to quality. With a limited production and a six-year waiting list to get access to their primary release, Harlan Estate is one of the most exclusive wine producers in the world.

The 2020 vintage will be known as the fire vintage due to two large wildfires in early August and mid-September effecting the cabernet harvest throughout the Napa Valley. Thankfully due to Harlan’s Oakville location and the prevailing wind the initial LNU fire did not affect Harlan’s vines and picking was completed by the 10 th September which meant the grapes were unaffected by the Glass fire which started on the 27 th September.

The long dry growing season which contributed to the wildfires also meant that Harlan’s old vine grapes ripened early. It is important to remember that the 2020 vintage was not the result of early harvesting but harvesting earlier. The older vines, lower yields, dry harvesting and an experienced viticulture team have much to do with bringing the crops to full maturity sooner. While 2020 became an impossible vintage for producers like Opus One and Scarecrow, Harlan Estate have managed to create a unique vintage with critical acclaim.

“This a truly eye-opening wine with regards to what was possible in 2020. I am not sure what that Harlan team did, but all I can say is Bravo!” Antonio Galloni

Harlan has all the fundamentals of a top investment wine. Big brand name, consistent high points scores, and low supply (circa 2,000 cases anually). The 2020 vintage has achieved a perfect 100 point score from Lisa Perotti-Brown, 99 points from Decanter and 18/20 from Jancis Robinson. Due to the dry growing season the 2020 vintage is down 10% to 1,800 cases which makes this unique vintage even more desirable.

The Cru Wine team were fortunate to try the 2020 Harlan ahead of its release on Jan 24 th . Personally, I was very impressed by the vintage’s freshness and tension while maintaining Harlan’s typical explosive power.

“Lots of mineral, red berry, and black fruit layers intertwined to offer an incredibly complex, yet beautifully poised, experience… Wow: it’s a pure, effortless, truthful wine.” 100 Points – Lisa Perrotti-Brown

Please get in touch if you would like access to our exclusive allocation.

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