Bill Harlan, one of the biggest names in Napa Valley sits down with Wine Spectator editor and publisher Marvin R. Shanken for an exclusive interview with in latest edition.
Harlan is a renowned figure in the wine world, credited with creating some of the most sought-after Bordeaux-style blends from the hillside vineyards of Oakville, California. His career in wine began in the early 1980s with his first vineyard, Merryvale. He then launched the highly acclaimed Harlan Estate, a winery that took the idea of hand-crafted, site-driven wine production to an entirely new level.
In his interview with Shanken, Harlan reflects on his early life and what inspired him to pursue a future in wine and the unique approach that has made him successful from the very beginning of his wine career, when he came up with his 200-year plan. This carefully crafted plan for strategic growth led to his acquisition of Bond Wine, followed after by Promontory Wine.
Promontory
Promontory represents one of Harlan’s most compelling wine ventures. When building Harlan Estate, he came across the future site of Promontory, a secluded valley tucked away in south-western Oakville. The wild, rugged landscape captured his attention then, but it wasn’t until 2008 that he was able to purchase the land.
Though bordering Harlan Estate, Promontory boasts strikingly different terrain and broad geological diversity. The naturally cool microclimate and geological diversity of the site, combined with the winery’s minimalistic approach to winemaking, have produced a wine that is powerful, yet refined, with a distinct sense of place. It’s a bold example of the next generation of Napa Valley wine
