Sommelier Journal

PAGES (32-35) November 2009

WINERY SPOTLIGHT Harlan Estate, Oakville, California Charles Curtis, MW Head of North American wine sales for Christie’s auction house, Charles Curtis was originally trained as a chef, has been the director of wine and spirit education for Moët Hennessy USA, and has worked throughout the wholesale distribution chain as a journalist, author, consultant, and wine judge. He is a frequent speaker at wine and food festivals throughout the United States, in addition to appearing as a guest lecturer at various colleges. After earning his diploma from the Wine & Spirit Education Trust, he became the 22nd Master of Wine in the United States in October 2004.

Bill Harlan’s vision has produced a Napa Valley premier cru. This year marks the 25th anniversary of Harlan Estate, a singular winery created by one of Napa’s true pioneers. Bill Harlan’s goal throughout the past quarter-century has remained constant: to create an American first growth by expressing the genius of one particular site. H. William Harlan enrolled at the University of California-Berkeley in 1958 and found early success with Pacific Union Real Estate. He opened the Meadowood ...