Margaux 2004

Margaux, First Growth

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Tasting Notes

Tasted at the Margaret River Cabernet tutorial. A deep black/garnet colour. The nose has stupendous definition and clarity, with that ethereal sense of controlled power and intensity, scents of dark cherry, pencils shavings and cedar all with wonderful definition and focus. The palate is medium-bodied, superb acidity, quite austere with cedar and tobacco, fine tannins, quite sharp and a little earthy on the finish. This is just a baby but should be considered a great success for the vintage. Drink 2012-2030. Tasted November 2009.

Score: 95

Neal Martin, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com Maturity: 2012-2030 01 July 2010

Pretty low key on the nose. Easy to miss - there are no bells and whistles on this wine at four years old. In a very teenage phase at the moment. A little raw and unresolved. Medium weight. Just a slight lack of sweet fruit on the mid palate. It is certainly 2004 in character and has pretty good length, but there is a slightly green note on the finish.

Score: 17 - 18

Jancis Robinson MW, JancisRobinson.com Maturity: 2015-2027 28 July 2009

The supple-textured 2004 Chateau Margaux is reminiscent of the 2001 or 1999. It exhibits a superb blue/purple color to the rim as well as sweet aromas of flowers, blueberries, creme de cassis, licorice, and smoke, superb fruit intensity, medium body, classic elegance, and silky, sweet tannin in the long finish. This beauty can be drunk now or cellared for two decades or more.

Score: 93

Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com Maturity: 2007-2027 01 June 2007

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.

Score: 92 - 94

Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com Maturity: 2009-2028 01 June 2006

Always the consummate professional, Paul Pontallier is pleased with the 2004 Margaux, considering it to be a revelation after the final blend was made. The articulate Pontallier called it "neo-classic" to suggest the sweetness of the tannins and a style that he finds similar to 1996. Only 40% of the crop was included in the final blend (78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Merlot, and 4% Petit Verdot), and it has a very high index of polyphenols (tannins). The harvest was completed between October 1 - 19. The 2004 is a streamlined, graceful example of Chateau Margaux with a deep plum/ruby/purple color and attractive black currant fruit intermixed with notions of white flowers, oak, and cherries. Rigidly constructed, with a lovely, medium-bodied texture, and tremendous purity, it will undoubtedly close down and need some time in the bottle. This beauty should be at its finest between 2010-2025. By the way, the brilliant 2004 is the finest Pavillon Blanc (100% Sauvignon Blanc) since the 2001

Score: 92 - 95

Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com Maturity: 2010-2025 30 April 2005

Bright red-ruby. Knockout nose features boysenberry, currant, cedar, graphite and mocha. Suave, gentle and sweet, already displaying ineffable inner-mouth perfume. The 17% merlot component injects a silky component, and the oak element adds a complementary sweetness. Complex, lush, horizontal finish saturates the mouth with flavor. It was not clear to me in April that the 2006 would exceed this-and it will certainly take longer to reach full maturity in bottle.

Score: 94

Stephen Tanzer, International Wine Cellar 01 May 2007

Subtle and complex aromas of crushed raspberry, milk chocolate and cigar box. Full-bodied, silky and refined, with layers of fruit and seductive tannins. Very long. A Margaux with finesse and reserve. Best after 2011. 12,500 cases made.

Score: 93

James Suckling, Wine Spectator Maturity: 2011+ 31 March 2007