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. Much of this wine will be sold to the winery's mailing list customers. If you miss out on the 1994 try and get on the waiting list for future vintages. While perfect wines are few and far between history has taught me that wineries with such lofty aspirations as Harlan Estate will continue to push the envelop of quality.

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.

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. Read more at:https://www.thewinecellarinsider.com/wine-tasting-note/?vintage=1994&wine=Harlan%20Estate

Only the fourth official release from Harlan, the vintage was mild with average winter rainfall and cool days with temperatures averaging just below 26°C. Budbreak was in mid-April, showers in May, and the temperatures ticked up in August and September. The harvest was completed by 23 October 1994. The most delicate of the Decanter Fine Wine Encounter New York masterclass lineup, with a light to medium body, dried red currants, a panoply of dried tobacco, sandalwood, and a beautiful minty lift. Full of vitality, with grip and a delectable finish. To be enjoyed now and over the next 10-15 years or longer.

Retains a youthful center of ripe plum, black cherry, wilted rose, black olive, sage and mineral flavors. Intense, balanced, focused and persistent, this is long on the finish.--Non-blind Harlan retrospective (2010). Drink now through 2026. 1,700 cases made. — JL