100 points. - The Wine Independent
98 points. - Vinous
98 points. - Vinous
97 points. Jeb Dunnuck
97 points. Wine Spectator
"Longtime Harlan collectors might notice that the colour of the 2021 is surprisingly light—an almost lucid ruby colour. From it emerges a beautifully pure and precise red with coiled-up energy: gorgeous violet florals, black currants, black cherry, tobacco, and Szechuan pepper aromas. From the wine's medium-bodied palate, pure black currant, black cherry, and spiced plum fruits intermix with pomegranate seed, tobacco and a hint of dark chocolate. Ultrafine, sculpted tannins build on the palate through the saline-scented finish. This wine has a natural brightness and perfumed florals that deliver freshness. Super compact, with immense structure, and best after 2027. I was able to taste it over three days, and it was still driving hard with tension and energy by day three, and only then beginning to open, which is the mark of a wine with tremendous cellaring potential. Yields were lower than average for the estate. Collectors need to note that this isn't a massive shift in style but rather a trend toward building wine with piercing acidity that ensures it will age for decades. And at this price, it should wow with freshness and energy well into 2041, 2051, or 2061 when opened by those of you (or family members) fortunate enough to have held bottles that long. Have patience, and if you must open the wine in the first decade of its bottle life, taste a glass, then let it decant at cellar temperature for the better part of a day."
100 points. - Decanter
"The aromas are subtle yet enticing with lavender and rose petal notes. So aromatic and perfumed. Lots of currants and hints of spearmint. Chanel No. 5? Medium-bodied with super fine tannins that run the length of the wine with crunchy tannins that are energetic and vivid. It grows and grows and turns almost flamboyant. Goes on for minutes with a compressed and vibrant finish. Mostly cabernet sauvignon with some cabernet franc and a tiny percent of merlot and petit verdot. Drink it now to love and understand the potential. But it will age beautifully."
"The aromas are subtle yet enticing with lavender and rose petal notes. So aromatic and perfumed. Lots of currants and hints of spearmint. Chanel No. 5? Medium-bodied with super fine tannins that run the length of the wine with crunchy tannins that are energetic and vivid. It grows and grows and turns almost flamboyant. Goes on for minutes with a compressed and vibrant finish. Mostly cabernet sauvignon with some cabernet franc and a tiny percent of merlot and petit verdot. Drink it now to love and understand the potential. But it will age beautifully."
100 points. - James Suckling