2004 Bahans Haut Brion
By Chateau Haut Brion
2004 Bahans Haut Brion from Chateau Haut Brion, Pessac-Leognan, Bordeaux
The enigmatic 2004 Bahans Haut Brion from Chateau Haut Brion stands as a testament to the resilience and finesse of the Pessac-Leognan region. Having tracked the evolution of this chateau's vintages for decades, I can attest that 2004 was indeed a year that played an elusive hand of climatic conditions, ultimately yielding a vintage that provided a wine with remarkable structure and poise.
An Explicit Expression of Terroir
The tale of 2004 in Bordeaux was one of challenges subdued by precision and expertise. A mildew threat during the summer could have marred the prospects of this vintage, but meticulous vineyard management and the unique gravely terroirs underscored the prowess of Chateau Haut Brion’s winemaking philosophy. The Bahans Haut Brion, now taking its esteemed place amongst investment portfolios, highlights an ensemble of aged earthiness carefully interwoven with the plush dark fruits that bathe the palate in a distinctly refined complexity.
Vintage Virtuosity: An Oenophile’s Reward
A hallmark factor in defining the 2004 Bahans Haut Brion is its undeniably graceful maturation profile. As with all things requiring time to blossom fully, wine lovers and investors alike have found that patience with this particular vintage has been well rewarded. Across the rigorous span of years, this wine has developed a splendid aromatic range, from tobacco leaf to graphite and truffles—all emblematic of Chateau Haut Brion's signature finesse.
On the palate, it reveals an elegantly tailored character, definitive proof of a vintage that has conquered initial adversity to deliver layered depth, persistent finish, and an exquisite balance—a true connoisseur's choice for a timeless investment.
In summation, the 2004 Bahans Haut Brion represents an illustrious chapter for Chateau Haut Brion in Pessac-Leognan. It’s not just a wine but a narrative in a bottle; a narrative defined by their unyielding commitment to viticulture and enology excellence. This particular expression now holds an eminent position within fine wine collections and as an investment piece that exudes sybaritic pleasure whilst promising potential yield enhancements in the sophisticated arena of fine wine trading.
Market price (HKD)
N/A
12x75cl
Highest score
90
POP score
N/A
Scores and tasting notes
Much more terroir on the nose here. Riper, more complex: very earthy with notes of wild strawberry and raspberry. This is a very smooth, suave Bahans. Well-integrated tannins. Seamless texture though lacking some persistency and grip. Mid-palate is a bit one-dimensional. Good early drinking, but I prefer La Chapelle this year. Tasted April 2005.
Neal Martin - Wine Advocate - Wine Journal
The estate’s second wine, the 2004 Bahans-Haut-Brion, possesses a similar character, but is lighter and softer than the Haut Brion, with notes of red and black currants, plum, and earth. Consume it over the next decade.
Robert Parker Jr - The Wine Advocate, 28 June 2007