Harlan Estate 2016 is a stunning example of the winemaker's art, produced in the renowned Napa Valley. The wine is the product of William Harlan, one of the first superstar modern-wine growers in California's Napa Valley. In 1984, Harlan founded his eponymous estate and established himself as one of the most influential and successful winemakers in Napa Valley.
The 2016 vintage was made from Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc grapes sourced from estate vineyards located in Oakville and Coombsville. The grapes were harvested at optimal maturity and vinified separately before being blended together to create a complex yet balanced expression of Harlan Estate's terroir.
The aromas are intense with layers of blackberry, cassis, cigar box, sweet spices, graphite, and anise. On the palate, this full-bodied wine has a velvety texture that leads to flavors of black currant jam, dark chocolate truffles, tobacco leaf, espresso bean and dried herbs. The tannins are ripe but firm whle the acidity lends balance to this luxurious wine.
Harlan Estate 2016 is a spectacular wine that will continue to evolve gracefully over time if cellared properly. It has received numerous accolades including 95 points from Robert Parker's Wine Advocate as well as being named one of the top 10 Napa Valley wines based on critic scores. This is an outstanding wine that should be experienced by all lovers of fine wines from California's renowned Napa Valley!
The Source of Bill Harlan's Wealth
Bill Harlan made his money through a successful career in real estate development. In 1974, he co-founded Pacific Union Co., a San Francisco based real estate development firm. Through the company, he developed and sold many properties across the Bay Area. In 1984, Harlan established an iconic winery in Napa Valley called Harlan Estate. He later founded BOND Winery in 1996 and Promontory Winery in 2008, both of which have become renowned for their limited-production wines. These businesses have continued to bring great financial success to Bill Harlan over the years and solidify his legacy as one of the most successful real estate developers of our time.
Who is the Owner of Harlan Estate?
Harlan Estate is currently owned by The Harlan Family Trust, which is managed by Bill Harlan and his three children: Will, Daphne and Ana. The trust also includes a fourth generation of family members including Bill's grandchildren. The family has been growing grapes for five generations and producing wine since the late 1980s. In addition to the estate vineyard, the Harlans own two other Napa Valley wineries, BOND and Promontory. The family also owns a winery in Sonoma County called Harlan Estate Winery.
Visiting Harlan Estate Winery
Unfortunately, it is not possible to visit the Harlan Estate winery. The estate has been closed to the public since 2006, when the family sold off their interest in the winery. While Promontory Wines is produced by William Harlan, founder of Harlan Estates, it is not located on the same property and therefore cannot be visited.
The Quality of Harlan Estate Wines
Harlan Estate is widely regarded as one of the finest wines in the Napa Valley and is consistently rated among the top 10 wines in the region. It has scored an impressive 95-100 points on Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, putting it on par with Screaming Eagle, and other critics have also given it very high scores. Its deep, dark color and intense aromas of blackberry, cassis, tobacco, and leather make it a highly desirable wine. On the palate, it is full-bodied with remarkable complexity and balance that leads to a long finish. The overall quality of this iconic wine makes it a must-have for any seious collector or connoisseur.
Estimated Value of Harlan Estate
Harlan Estate is widely regarded as one of the most prestigious wineries in California, and its flagship wine commands a high price in the market. The average price per bottle of Harlan Estate is around $1,012, making it among the most expensive wines available. While this is an indication of the estate's worth, it is also important to consider its other assets, including vineyard land and buildings. According to Forbes, Harlan Estate is worth around $300 million dollars; however, this value could be higher depending on factors such as the current market value of their vineyards and other assets.
Source: rarewineinvest.com
Number of Wines Produced by Harlan
Harlan Estate produces two wines: their flagship Harlan Estate and a second wine, Maiden. The winery crafts approximately 1,200 cases of Harlan Estate annually and slightly over 2,000 cases of Maiden. Each vintage is carefully crafted from the finest grapes and aged in French oak barrels for 18 months to ensure the highest quality of both wines.
The First Vintage of Harlan Estate
The first vintage of Harlan Estate to be released to the public was the 1990 vintage. While the first three vintages – 1987, 1988 and 1989 – were never released, it was in 1989 that renowned winemaker Michel Rolland joined as a consultant and introduced a new approach to winemaking at the estate. This included picking grapes riper, hand sorting, and refining winemaking techniques. The result was the 1990 vintage being released to critical acclaim, marking the beginning of an illustrious history for Harlan Estate.
Conclusion
Harlan Estate 2016 is a stunning red blend from one of the most iconic wineries in Napa Valley, founded by Bill Harlan. This wine is a testament to Bill's passion for creating complex and rewarding wines that can be enjoyed for years to come. The wine shows intense aromas of blackberries and dark cherries, with subtle hints of sweet spice, tobacco, and cedar. On the palate, the flavors are bold and layered with dark fruits, herbs, and hints of mocha. The tannins are ripe and well-rounded with excellent structure and balance. Overall, Harlan Estate 2016 is a perfect expression of Napa Valley terroir that deserves to be enjoyed now or cellared for many years to come.
