2004 Wine from France

View From The Cellar, 97 points: The 2004 Krug remains one of the most beautiful young vintages of this bottling to be released in quite some time. It does not have the power and sternness of structure of the titan that is the 2002, nor the shimmering...

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, 97 points: Fermented in oak barrels and aged under natural corks for almost 13 years, Bollinger's 2004 R. D. Extra Brut blends 66% Pinot Noir with 34% Chardonnay from 16 crus, 88% of which are classified as Grand Cru. The wine opens...

Wine Enthusiast, 94 points: For a 2004, this is big and rich, but that is to be expected from Guiraud. The fruit is magnificently ripe, with flavors of peach and tangerine syrup along with the core of botrytis and dark honey. The aftertaste is...

Wine Spectator, 92 points: Shows prominent herb and tobacco notes, but has the density of fruit for balance, with fleshy layers of black currant and raspberry. The dark, ripe finish shows graphite and licorice notes, with solid grip. Drink now...

Wine Enthusiast, 92 points: Editors' Choice. This château has seen a big investment in recent years and it has paid off. Despite its modern, polished style evidenced by a generous use of new wood, it retains the proper charm of a Margaux, with the...

jamessuckling.com, 92 points: A beautiful red just opening now, with pretty currants, smoke and spice aromas that follow through to a solid core of ripe tannins, focused fruit and a silky, textured finish. Drink now or hold.

Vinous, 93 points: (based on roughly 60% cabernet sauvignon) Good full ruby-red. Crunchy cassis bitter chocolate violet black olive and a note of leather on the nose. Quite juicy if a bit firm-edged with musky black cherry blackberry violet...

TheWineCellarInsider.com, 95 points: There is a sense of sweetness in the fruit and silky quality in the texture that leaves you wanting more of the fresh, ripe, juicy, plums, truffle, kirsch, wet earth, dark chocolate and floral character. This has really...

Wine Spectator, 90 points: Aromas of currant and leaves. Medium- to full-bodied with velvety tannins and a caressing finish. Ends chewy. Best after 2009. 24500 cases made. –JS

Vinous, 90 points: Medium red. Fresh red berry and cherry aromas accented by minerals and spices. Fresh acidity sharpens the brisk, mineral-laced redcurrant, bitter cherry and graphite flavors. Smoked meat and tobacco tones emerge on the...