Château HAUT-BRION 2004

Description

Neal Martin 93 points www.robertparker.com (Septembre 2016)
It has been a few years since I last tasted the 2004 Haut-Brion. Now at 12 years of age, it retains its deep color. The bouquet is « pleasant » if not as complex as the 2004 Latour, yet it’s possibly just biding its time as it gradually opens with black fruit, black olive, even a touch of mint that might dupe you into thinking Pauillac. The palate is medium-bodied and very harmonious, almost caressing thanks to the Merlot lending that velvety texture. The second half changes tack, the Cabernet nudging the Merlot off the stage and delivering a more structured, possibly foursquare finish that is linear and correct. It is an excellent wine for the vintage although it will always be overshadowed by the 2005 inter alia. Maybe more personality just needs to develop? Tasted September 2016. (2020-2040)

Stephen Tanzer 93 points www.vinous.com
Bright, pale yellow color. Highly complex but subtle aromas of yellow plum, honey and vanilla. Fatter and fuller than the young 2002, with superb thickness of texture but also terrific definition and cut. Big, chewy wine, with an almost saline impression of extract. This really fills the mouth. Very long and gripping on the back.

Jean-Marc Quarin 95 points www.quarin.com (Septembre 2008)
Ici, la signature aromatique, particulièrement fumée, est encore plus précise qu’à Malartic. Le grand changement concerne la profondeur des arômes et la texture des tannins. Ces derniers sont plus raffinés, plus aériens, tout en étant un peu plus présents. C’est là tout le paradoxe. Voici un vin complexe, subtil, délicieux, fondant, avec du goût et de la puissance en finale. Sa personnalité est unique. Malgré ses qualités, l’idée que le corps pourrait être supérieur m’a effleuré : voilà qui explique une note d’un très bon niveau, mais pas exceptionnelle. Notation égale décanté comme non décanté. Attendre 2012 et avant 2030.