Harlan Estate 1994

A perfect wine is the 1994 Harlan Estate. The 1994 Harlan Estate has always been one of those profoundly perfect wines with everything seamlessly integrated, and no hint of astringency or harshness, even in its youth. It still offers sensational fruit along with plenty of black currant, subtle toast, espresso, chocolate and plum-like characteristics. It is full-bodied, opulent and rich.

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.