Vintus

Château Margaux 2004, 1st Growth of Margaux

The blending of Château Margaux 2004 showed, more than it usually does, characters in the wine that the Château had not imagined in its best Cabernets. There was aromatic finesse, fresh and pure, but this time more complex, wonderfully preserved and enriched at the same time. In the subtle combination of floral, fruit and spice aromas, each is clearly present but no single one dominates. On the palate the confirmation of a classic Château Margaux comes through; it has a tight-knit, dense and tender tannic structure, the balance is precise, harmonious, rich with no ostentation, powerful without affectation.

“Muscular and powerful. Superlong. Gorgeous aromas of blackberries, minerals and currants. Full-bodied and solid, with muscular tannins and a long, long finish. This is really balanced and refined. Gorgeous. Paul Pontallier, the technical director, says it reminds him of the 1996, but may be even better; a blend of 1995 and 1996. Is he right? Maybe. Very close to 95-100.” 92-94 Wine Spectator, April 2005

"The 2004 Chateau Margaux, which has put on weight since I tasted it a year ago, is a superb example of why in certain cool, late ripening vintages, the en primeur tastings are easily 4-6 weeks too soon. At the January, 2006 tasting, the wine exhibited a gorgeous nose of licorice, white flowers, black currant liqueur, and subtle new oak. This aromatic, medium to full-bodied, superbly concentrated Margaux reminds me of a lighter version of the 1996. Precise, extremely well-delineated, beautifully pure, and, as the French would say, tres Margaux, it should be at its apogee between 2009-2028." 92-94 Wine Advocate, June 2006