Wine Advocate August, 2012 This vintage again demonstrates what an extraordinary terroir La Mission-Haut-Brion possesses. It was not an easy year, with rain, flowering issues and uncooperative weather in the critical months of August and September, but the vineyard’s superb drainage and La Mission’s ability to produce fascinating aromatics even in difficult vintages triumphs again. Classic Graves aromas of charcoal, scorched earth, red and black fruits, truffles, graphite and melted tar emerge from this dark garnet/plum-colored 1994. In the mouth, there is some angularity and rustic tannins remaining, but they are not out of balance. With medium to full body as well as more depth than many of its peers, the wine appears to be close to full maturity. However, with this level of acidity and tannin, it is not likely to fall apart any time soon. Anticipated maturity: now-2025. Robert Parker's Wine Advocate 01/01/2003 A superb La Mission from a difficult vintage, this wine shows classic scorched earth notes intermixed with a hint of dried herbs, pepper, sweet tobacco, and smoky black currant and cherry fruit. It is medium to full-bodied, with loads of glycerin, surprising depth, and no evidence of dilution or vegetal tannins. Anticipated maturity: Now-2015. Last tasted, 9/02. () (91)

Caressing in its tobacco and campfire smoke, with crushed raspberry coulis, less layered than the blockbuster vintages in the lineup but with a fresh mint leaf and oyster shell salinity on the finish. Cool Spring followed by a hot summer with thunderstorms, with a high Merlot blend because rain arrived during the Cabernet harvest, causing issues for many Left Bank estates. It's a vintage of La Mission that I have drunk regularly, the last time a good five years ago, and remains on the exact same plateau - understated, charming and one to look out for. Jean-Philippe Delmas' first vintage, working alongside his father Jean-Bernard. Harvest September 12 to 24 - the early-ripening location of this site a definite advantage.

This vintage again demonstrates what an extraordinary terroir La Mission-Haut-Brion possesses. It was not an easy year, with rain, flowering issues and uncooperative weather in the critical months of August and September, but the vineyard’s superb drainage and La Mission’s ability to produce fascinating aromatics even in difficult vintages triumphs again. Classic Graves aromas of charcoal, scorched earth, red and black fruits, truffles, graphite and melted tar emerge from this dark garnet/plum-colored 1994. In the mouth, there is some angularity and rustic tannins remaining, but they are not out of balance. With medium to full body as well as more depth than many of its peers, the wine appears to be close to full maturity. However, with this level of acidity and tannin, it is not likely to fall apart any time soon. Anticipated maturity: now-2025.

Very good full color. More discreet, brooding aromas of black cherry, leather and smoke, plus a faint burnt quality that characterizes this wine in the riper years. Lovely intensity and purity of fruit in the mouth; sound acids give the wine excellent definition and backbone. Very ripe aftertaste, with dusty, even tannins. Certainly among the top ten of the vintage.

The 1994 La Mission Haut-Brion is the dark horse of the decade and may well surpass modest expectations. The bouquet has opened up in recent years to offer appealing tobacco- and cedar-infused black fruit, demonstrating more vigor than any vintage since the late 1980s. The palate is medium-bodied with firm tannins and predominantly black fruit, again laced with tobacco and cedar, and it conveys a sense of correctness. A classic Pessac-Léognan without flair, yet somehow that forms part of its charm. Tasted over lunch at La Trompette in London.