98 pts - Wine Advocate
The opaque purple-colored 1996 Harlan Estate reveals extraordinary intensity, a spicy, black currant, tobacco, cedar, and fruit cake-scented bouquet, full body, a texture oozing with glycerin and concentrated fruit, and moderate tannin in the blockbuster finish. It is one of the most concentrated and complete red wines one could hope to taste. Anticipated maturity: 2004-2030. - Robert Parker
97 pts - Wine Spectator
95 pts - Vinous
Deep ruby-red. Superripe aromas of roasted plum, currant, black cherry, chocolate, minerals, lead pencil and nuts. Extremely concentrated black cherry fruit offers impressive vibrancy and grip for the vintage. Perhaps not quite as dense as the '97, but then how many wines from anywhere are? Finishes with substantial tannins and great persistence.- Stephen Tanzer (5/1999)