Harlan Estate 1994

Parker: What can I say about the 1994? I have tasted the wine for three consecutive years, and each time it satisfied all of my requirements for perfection. The opaque purple color is followed by spectacular aromatics that soar from the glass, offering up celestial levels of black currants, minerals, smoked herbs, cedar wood, coffee, and pain grille. In the mouth, this seamless legend reveals full body, and exquisite layers of phenomenally pure and rich fruit, followed by a 40+ second finish. While accessible, the 1994 begs for another 5-7 years of cellaring. It should easily last for 30+ years. Every possible jagged edge - acidity, alcohol, tannin, and wood - is brilliantly intertwined in what seems like a diaphanous format. What is so extraordinary about this large-scaled wine, with its dazzling display of aromatics and prodigious flavors and depth, is that it offers no hint of heaviness or coarseness. Harlan's 1994 comes close to immortality in the glass. 100/100

James Suckling: This is a legend in modern winemaking for California. Yet it has been a controversial wine due to what some say is extremely high volatile acidity. I have found some bottles acidic but most have been fantastic quality. I had this bottle on Saturday with a friend in Hong Kong at a Korean restaurant. There's a purity of fruit and balance now to this. It's fruity yet reserved and harmonious. It's full body and fruity with a beautiful depth and complexity showing currant and mineral undertones. It's pure and gorgeous. Drink and rejoice. 99/100 (2016)

Jeff Leve: There is an elegance matched with all the power that gives this wine its character. That difficult balancing act, coupled with the purity of fruit, silky textures and a finish that does not quit leaves you wanting more. At 23 years of age, this is drinking right where it needs to be. I am not sure what there is gain by waiting for more development, but the fruit is still fresh, vibrant and energetic, so there i no hurry to pop a cork on this magic elixir either. 99/100 (2017)

Decanter: I've had the pleasure of tasting this wine several times over the years, and it never fails to impress. The nose is the perfect midpoint of sweet, sappy, dusty and captivating. Aromas of aged leather, cardamom, bramble and gravel. Excellent persistence in the mid-palate, and not as rich as one might expect given Harlan's reputation. Sturdy, succulent, and powdery throughout. Without question, a high-water mark of this era of Napa, showing its origins more than its treatment. Drinking exceptionally well now and should hold for another 20 years. 98/100 (2021)

Jancis Robinson: 'A picture-perfect growing season’, according to the Harlan team. A famous wine that has ‘continued to climb the ladder with easily another 20+ years ahead of it’. We tasters were told '1993 was our favourite vintage and has been on this plateau for 10 years or so, but 1994 is not even on the plateau.' A big vintage – quite like 2001. Rich, meat extract. Hint of cough medicine and animal flavours. Vibrant and much tamer and more civilised than when I first tasted it as a brooding blockbuster. Still quite a bit of tannin, amazingly. Maybe it will eventually take over? Rich and broad and balsam. Full of pleasure! 18.5/20 (2024)