Addy Bassin's MacArthur Beverages - Fine Wine and Spirits Since 1957

2004 Bordeaux

2004 provides a remarkable contrast to the extraordinary and atypical 2003. After one of the hottest, driest, smallest and shortest harvests ever last year, we have a “classic” Bordeaux vintage this year, saved by a fine, dry and sunny September which allowed grapes to ripen fully before picking began (often well into October). Fruit was, at many properties, able to hang from the vines 4 weeks longer than in 2003, which has resulted in good ripeness and well-balanced tannins. The better 2004’s are characterized by a purity of fruit, with sweet blue fruits instead of the black fruit of last year. Stylistically 2004 reminds me of 1995 – well made, well balanced wines with very good depth of fruit, good structure and focus and well integrated tannins. Yields are large and those properties which failed to limit production, with a “green harvest”, have risked dilution. However, there is no doubt that the top Châteaux - who have managed the vintage properly - have had considerable success. Good news for the consumer is that after record prices in 2003, we have seen a return to moderation this year.

Some very good to outstanding wines were made in 2004, and the bottlings are typically Bordeaux in style—aromatic and balanced, with refined tannins and long finishes. These are wines that will please any Bordeaux lover. They are reds that few other regions in the world could make—very fresh, racy and refined." James Suckling - The Wine Spectator 3/31/07

Number of wines found: 57

* = Sale Price, no further discount