With demand growing for Napa Valley wineries worldwide, California’s rise to fame has not gone unnoticed by fine wine investors. Analysis suggests that this will continue, so it is high time we consider adding some of California’s buzz brands in our portfolios. Screaming Eagle, of course, steals the limelight for the west coast, but a very close second would be the Harland Estate, with its excellent California Cabernet Sauvignon.

With a self-proclaimed remit that he would produce the first Californian first growth wine in Napa, Bill Harlan had high hopes for his property. Founded by the man himself in 1984, Harlan has a 200-year vision for his wine, namely to create a wine that has the same honour and prestige as Mouton-Rothschild, and be as commanding in the USA as the first growth Bordeaux is in France. And where did Harlan choose to lay the foundations of his legacy? In a tiny 6-acre plot of underdeveloped land in Meadowwood. A risky choice for some but as an ex-professional gambler, Harlan knew that it was time to lay his cards on the table.

Today the vineyard encompasses 36-acres, and after nearly three decades has produced some of the most stunning Cabernet Sauvignon on the west coast. Systematically combining elegant textures with freshness and complexity, Harlan’s bold taste has achieved global success. The export market is wide and varied, with at least 45 countries and counting. Additionally, Robert Parker is a fan – he has awarded his perfect 100-point score to at least five vintages which have not hurt sales. Harlan’s son has recently joined the producing side of things, which means that the future is assured, perhaps not for the next two centuries, but another 50 or so years at least.

Sold directly to customers, Harlan is about a quarter of the price of its main rival Screaming Eagle but still ranks as the region’s second most expensive wine. Low production of 2,000 cases means that Harlan is a favourite at auctions, with bottles fetching over €700 for the top vintages. Harlan even sells futures too – almost unheard of in the US, so his love affair with Bordeaux is as authentic as they come.