The 1994 La Mission Haut Brion, a Bordeaux blend from the Pessac Leognan sub-region, showcases a complex profile that has aged gracefully over the years. Despite the challenging weather conditions of the vintage, including rain and flowering issues, the wine has maintained a noteworthy level of quality.
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate highlights the wine's ability to express "extraordinary terroir," despite a difficult year. The review describes it as featuring "classic Graves aromas of charcoal, scorched earth, red and black fruits, truffles, graphite, and melted tar," with an overall score of 92 points. The wine's rustic tannins and medium to full body are noted, suggesting a wine that is close to full maturity yet capable of aging further.
Vinous, with a score of 91 points, describes the wine as a "dark horse of the decade" with a bouquet that has opened up to reveal "tobacco- and cedar-infused black fruit." The review appreciates the wine's "correctness" and classic Pessac-Léognan character, acknowledging its charm despite a lack of flair.
Neal Martin’s Wine Journal, also scoring it 92 points, finds the wine to be "drinking perfectly now" with an austere nose that evolves with aeration. The palate is described as medium-bodied with great poise, indicating a wine that will maintain its quality for years to come.
Jeff Leve’s review, scoring 90 points, portrays the wine as fully mature and elegant, with softened tannins and a lighter style. The review advises that it is time to enjoy this wine, as the finish is short and the remaining fruit is fading.
Jane Anson, also awarding it 92 points, describes it as "caressing in its tobacco and campfire smoke" with a fresh mint leaf and oyster shell salinity. Highlighting the high Merlot blend and early harvest, Anson finds it understated and charming, a testament to the challenging vintage.