2004 Ch. Haut-Brion, Pessac-Léognan

Winemaker/administrator Jean Delmas considers this to be his best wine since 2000. Only 55% of the production - a blend of 61% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon and 19% Cabernet Franc - has gone into the hedonistic Grand Vin. Enticing aromas of ripe, spicy plums and raisins with nuances of tobacco, minerals and vanilla entice you to take a sip. It is completely delicious, with notes of Swiss chocolate, sweet fruit, toast and cinnamon spice and fine tannins. An exceptionally pure, round and extremely polished wine. Drink 2015-2030.
BBR Score 18.5/20.

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. The nose is still a little mute giving a moderate intensity of youthful aromas: ripe plums, cassis, Chinese five spice, moss and a fair amount of cedar. Oak tannins seem to dominate the structure contributing to the taut astringency of the palate yet there is a good amount of ripe berry and earthy fruit plus medium acidity to balance. Long earthy finish. Drink 2012 to 2034. Tasted February 2009.
(Lisa Perrotti-Brown -In Asia - erobertparker.com - May 2009)

The dark plum/ruby-hued 2004 Haut-Brion exhibits a noble, discrete, 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 - Wine Advocate - Jun 2007)