Double decanted two nights before service. The 2004 Haut Brion pours a deep garnet color with a near opaque core; medium viscosity with moderate staining of the tears. One the nose, the wine is developing with notes of tart and ripe dark fruit: Black currants, blackberries, tobacco, pencil lead, purple flowers, gravelly earth and fine baking spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin and medium+ acid; the structure is very well integrated. Confirming the notes from the nose with the addition of Flintstones vitamins. The finish is long and ferrous. This continued to build in the glass and had such a fabulous nose! Drinking well now (after a lot of air) but this has a long life yet ahead, 2054 with ease. — a month ago
Always over delivers! — 4 months ago
Dark & still very youthful, perfumed & elegant, full of energy, ripe dark fruit, with a beautiful fresh menthol-cedar wood note. Layers of Black currant & cassis with some lighter cherry and a touch of fresh raspberries. A hint of dark Ghana chocolate. Ripe & sweet yet savoury. Complex.
Surprisingly energetic on the palate, with a firm tannic frame yet the tannins are juicy, polished, velvety. This is filled with juicy ripe fruit and fresh acidity. Impeccably balanced and with great complexity & depth.
This is a beautiful wine that is just awakening, serious & profound yet so approachable. A spectacular bottle! — 3 months ago
Blend of 37% Cabernet Franc, 34% Cabernet Sauvignon and 29% Merlot, aged in 80% new French oak, deep Ruby color, purple edges, with aromas of dark fruits, floral spice and smoky cedar notes. On the palate flavors of blackberry, plum and black currants with cacao, tobacco, licorice and smoky spice. Fine grainy tannins, well balanced on long finish, ending with fruit, cedar, smoke and earthy mineral character. Very nice, but needs a few more years of bottle age to really enjoy, and will last for several decades! — 9 days ago
A savory red blend from Pessac-Léognan, 70% Merlot and 30% Cab Sauv and since it is aged more than 50% of the Merlot on terracota amphorae the tannins are as silky and gentle as it can get. Velvety and fresh mouthfeel. Already started to pick its prime time. Drinking now or within the next 3 years will just as great! — 12 days ago
Ron Siegel
Great vintage that was dark, inky with good purity & balance, still young & will need more time. — 8 hours ago