(WE95-97 points) This is certainly one of the stars of the vintage. With its solid tannins and dark smoky character it is going to be powerful but with such elegance. The fruit flavors combine richness and freshness in fine harmony.

Intense aromas of tar blackberry and wet earth with just a hint of tobacco and flowers. Full-bodied chewy and long. Extracted yet turns caressing and velvety in texture. Broad-shouldered and muscular for this estate. Better than the 2000. Best after 2012. 3500 cases made. –JS

The 2004 Cheval Blanc has a light and expressive bouquet. Tasting it after the nascent 2023, it is a tricky comparison, with touches of black fruit, iodine, and a little leafiness developing in the glass. It is not powerful by any means and perhaps a little one-dimensional compared to the canon of the great Cheval Blanc. The palate is medium-bodied with slightly grainy tannins, hints of sour cherries, marmalade and spice box. There is even a hint of Indian spices toward the end. Drinking perfectly now, this is a lovely Cheval Blanc. It is not a complex wine, but it is very commendable for the vintage. -- Neal Martin

With signs of maturity in the color, the smoky bouquet of cherry pipe tobacco, fresh herbs, kirsch, truffle and cigar box, the medium bodied wine is ready for prime time drinking. Soft, refined and silky, the finesse textures and sweet cherries feels great on your palate. Like many 2004 Bordeaux wines, this is ready to drink. I just wish it had a more concentration. Read more at:https://www.thewinecellarinsider.com/search-wine-tasting-notes/?szSearch=2004+Cheval+Blanc

92+ I had high hopes for this Cheval Blanc out of barrel, perhaps a return to form? I still think this is a very fine Saint Emilion although it has not quite fulfilled the promise it initially showed. A very deep ruby/garnet colour. The nose seems to be quite backward with the Cabernet Franc component in the driving seat, aromas of blackcurrant, cherry, dark chocolate and iron rust. Good definition. The palate displays firm tannins, a rather “edgy” Cheval Blanc, quite tight and bashful; minerally and hints of burnt toast on the surprisingly dry finish. I will be more parsimonious with my score, but something tells me that it could put on weight over the next 5-6 years. Drink 2015-2025+

The 2004 Cheval Blanc has always been a wine that I felt needed patience on behalf of the wine lover, and so it is proving to be the case. Served blind I remarked upon a surprisingly Burgundy-like bouquet with ample red cherries, candied strawberry and redcurrant scents, the Merlot clearly more conspicuous than the Cabernet Franc, at least for now. The palate is medium-bodied with just a touch of coarseness on the entry. I appreciate the weight and balance here and belatedly the Cabernet Franc begins to express itself on the latter half, lending structure and grip, a dash of spice and a bit of sinew. Whilst it will never have the persistence of other vintages and regrettably continue to be dwarfed by the 2005, it remains a very fine Cheval Blanc from Pierre Lurton and his team. Tasted September 2016. - Neal Martin