2004 Wine from France

Wine Enthusiast, 97 points: Following on from the great 2002 vintage of this wine, the 2004 is equally memorable. It is a magnificent wine, structured and beautifully balanced between the ripe white fruits and the tight texture that will allow it to...

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, 96 points: It’s fascinating to taste the 2004 Brut Blanc de Blancs Comtes de Champagne after the 2002, something I have been able to do on a few occasions. The 2004 is all about minerality, precision and tension. It doesn’t have the...

Wine Enthusiast, 96 points: A blend of 66% Pinot Noir and 34% Chardonnay, this is opulent and full bodied, with toast and wood flavors. Rich and ripe, this beautiful wine is generous and still young, with just a touch of bitterness at the end.

Wine & Spirits, 97 points: The energy in this wine recalls the 2002 Cristal (I wrote "energy" three times in my notes.) In 2004 it's explosive. The wine is saturated with flavor from floral notes of rose to pale limestone and equally pale fruit...

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, 94 points: Rich with hints of malt bread, golden raisin and honey, but finely balanced by the ample backbone of acidity and chalky texture. Notes of Golden Delicious apple, ground anise and lemon zest chime in and linger on the...

jamessuckling.com, 96 points: It is hard to fathom the immense minerality on the nose here. Smells chalky with wet stones, petrichor, fresh white flowers and lemon - superior aromatic purity. The palate's struck with such clarity and precision; it...

Burghound, 90 points: A gentle touch of wood serves as a background note for the somber and backward earthy black fruit aromas that lead to palate drenching flavors of solid depth and this really coats the palate with old vine sap. This is a...

Neal Martin's Wine Journal, 93 points: This has a similar nose to the Village Cru although it is perhaps more tempered and refined. Subtle touches of wet pavement and minerals, signature Anne-Claude Leflaive notes. The palate has lovely balance and poise, full...

Wine Enthusiast, 96 points: Of the pair of châteaux, La Mission Haut-Brion and Haut-Brion (both owned by the Dillon banking family) that face each other across the crowded streets of Pessac, Haut-Brion is the one with the structure, the darkness...

jamessuckling.com, 92 points: This is rich and decadent with truffles and blackberries on the nose that follow through to a full body, with ultra-fine tannins and a polished, pretty finish. Delicious now but will but better in a year or two.

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, 93 points: Along with Leoville Las Cases and a few others this is among the stars of the appellation. Made in a more floral supple Margaux-like style the deep ruby/purple-hued 2004 Leoville Poyferre exhibits sweet broad flavors and...