Tasting Notes
Vinous 89
(84% cabernet sauvignon, 9% merlot, 5% cabernet franc and 2% petit verdot; 3.73 pH; 66 IPT; 13% alcohol): Fully saturated inky ruby. Captivating nose offers redcurrant, black cherry, tar, tobacco, graphite and cedar aromas. Sweet, lush and ripe, with pure blackberry, cocoa and coffee flavors accented by a hint of shoe polish. Very good balance and sound acidity keeps this light on its feet. Finishes a bit warm and simple, with average length but good texture for the vintage. An excellent example of how good some of the 2004 Bordeaux can be: this would make an excellent wine-by-the-glass choice in a restaurant, or could be enjoyed now and over the next few years while your 2005s and 2006s mature in the cellar.
Robert Parker 87
Evolving quickly, the dark plum/garnet-colored 2004 reveals notes of tobacco leaf, forest floor, black fruits, new saddle leather, licorice and earth, good, rather than great, depth of fruit and medium body. Drink this mid-weight effort over the next 10-15 years.
Anticipated maturity: 2011-2026
JancisRobinson.com 16.5+
Cassis and liquorice on the nose with a dash of pepper. Firm and savoury but not in the least meaty at the moment. Pretty youthful and less expressive on the palate but finishes well with a long juicy freshness. (JH)
Anticipated maturity: 2010-2020