2004 Haut Brion
By Chateau Haut Brion
2004 Haut Brion from Chateau Haut Brion, Pessac-Leognan, Bordeaux
The 2004 Haut Brion from the heralded Chateau Haut Brion encapsulates the finesse of Pessac-Leognan with remarkable aplomb. A vintage that, while somewhat eclipsed by the monumental vintages that bookend it, reveals a narrative of balance and understated elegance that resonates with collectors and investors alike.
Layered Complexity: A Testament to Time
Crafted from a year marked by a mild winter and a summer devoid of extremes, this 2004 vintage was nurtured into existence under the watchful eye of a benign Bordeaux season. The result is an ensemble marvellously endowed with maturity, showcasing nuanced layering—a symphony of dark fruit, smoke, and a whisper of spice.
Tasters may find the gentle sway between traditional Bordeaux opulence and the restrained gracefulness of the 2004 vintage a study in sophistication. Notes of blackcurrant, cedarwood, and tobacco are woven intricately with threads of mineral expressiveness—a harmonious blend that sings of the gravelly terroir that is synonymous with Chateau Haut Brion.
A Vintage to Savour: Integration and Investment Potential
The 2004 Haut Brion stands out as a cornerstone for savvy wine investment, offering an appealing intersection between approachability and potential longevity. Its integrated tannins suggest a promising future for further intricacy and depth with continued cellaring.
For those seasoned in the fine nuances of aged Bordeaux, this vintage affords an alluring snapshot into the winemaking prowess at Chateau Haut Brion; an estate vested with an extraordinary lineage of vinicultural craftsmanship.
Imbued with layers that promise to unravel over time, the 2004 Haut Brion remains one of the more intriguing propositions within a discerning investor’s portfolio—poised eloquently on the cusp between youthful vigour and mellow maturity.
In summary, the 2004 vintage offers a distinctive featuring point within the storied tapestry of Chateau Haut Brion's output. It stands not only as proof of their capability to produce wines of finesse in less lauded years but also as an articulate choice for investors looking to weave complexity and steady appreciation into their collection.
Current market price
£3,780.00
12x75cl
Highest score
93
POP score
290.77
Scores and tasting notes
Tasted at the French Embassy in London. The Haut-Brion ’04 may be entering a rather awkward phase. The nose is reticent at first and demands continued coaxing from the glass. Blackberry, cranberry and leather eventually emerge, later joined by bay leaf, leather and a touch of wild heather. The palate is medium-bodied with ripe tannins, dominated by cedar and undergrowth characters. It does lack a little depth and there is a touch of piquancy towards the finish. I feel this is entering a dumb phase but will come through the other side with all guns firing. Drink 2015-2030. Tasted November 2010.
Neal Martin - Wine Journal Jan 2011
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.
Neal Martin - The Wine Advocate, 28 February 2017
The dark plum/ruby-hued 2004 Haut-Brion exhibits a noble, discreet, smoky bouquet revealing notions of plum liqueur, black currants, sweet cherries, and subtle earth. In addition to its aromatic complexity, this medium-bodied effort reveals classic elegance and delicacy as well as sweet fruit in the mouth and a long finish. Give this streamlined, civilized wine 2-4 years of bottle age and drink it over the following 20-25 years. It is amazingly similar to Haut-Brion’s 1999.
Robert Parker Jr - Wine Advocate #171 June 2007