Chateau Haut Brion 1er Cru 2004

Lobenberg: Fast schwarz, violette Ränder. Wuchtige Nase nach Merlot, schwarzer Frucht und Erde. Nicht so würzig wie La Mission, dafür voluminöser. Im Mund noch deutlich mehr Volumen als La Mission, vielleicht ein Touch rustikaler, aber sehr sehr kraftvoll. Sowohl Cabernet als auch Merlot deutlich zu spüren. Insgesamt eine sehr klassische Ausrichtung. Sehr langer Nachhall. Einer der Stars des Jahrgangs. Nicht ganz so finessereich klassisch wie Chateau Margaux, aber fast auf dem gleichen Level. 95-98/100

Parker: An atypically high percentage of Merlot (61%) in addition to 19% Cabernet Franc, and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon make up the 2004 Haut-Brion. Fifty-five percent of the production was utilized for the grand vin, a surprisingly forward, charming, silky effort despite the relatively high tannin. In fact, it reminded me of the 1985 even though those vintage conditions have nothing in common with 2004 other than high yields. In any event, the 2004 is a beautiful effort that is far superior to the 2002. Soft, gentle, and gracious, with a deep plum/ruby/purple color, it offers up aromas of smoked herbs, sweet plums and black cherries, and hints of mulberries as well as earth. Medium-bodied, structured, pure, round, and seductive, with a long finish, there is more here than meets the eye and the palate. 90-92/100

Wine Spectator: Wonderful aromas of dried flowers, currant, berries and mineral. Full-bodied, yet reserved and refined. Lovely texture, with a pure silk feel. Seamless and beautiful. Grat length. A joy to taste. Even better than from barrel. 95/100