1. Home
  2. General Wine Forum
  3. 2004 clarets

2004 clarets

I've started working my way through my collection of 2004 Bordeaux recently and have been mostly disappointed. I bought 3-bottle lots of about 25 chateaux, mostly classed growths and I don't know whether they are still closed or whether the vintage was over-hyped on release. I am trying one bottle of each starting with the cheaper ones that should be well into their drinking window. Apart from a La Lagune that would rate a B+, they have all been B/B- on Dale's scale but last night I opened a Palmer that was so characterless it rated a C, not because it was barely drinkable but because it should have been a helluva lot better (it would have been a solid B if it were a lesser wine that cost 1/4 of what I paid). I dread to think what the first growths will be like. Graham

Reply to
graham
Loading thread data ...

This seems consistent with my experience from Bordeaux in general, esp. the gran/prim. crus. Which subregions are you drinking? I prefer the cabernet focused ones and e ven then when I compared to cheap Bordeaux styles from Slovenia (Goriska Br da - try e.g. Brda vinska klet A+ Rdece and Krassno, and Princic Mihael Rde ce) and California they have been cheaper for better wines.

I had a french colleague for my last tasting, who said about the Quantum th at they mimic Bordeaux well, and do it actually better for the price range its in.

Last week I had Tivoli Magrez 2002 from Medoc and its a 60E wine, and it wa s good but less complex and flavorful than the Beringer Knights Valley I ha d yesterday, which is only 35E.

Ive been to tastings with 1. cru saint emillion that were like watered down vinegar.

I have tivoli magrez 2004 in my rack. Really hope it isnt worse than the 20

  1. I also have 2005.
Reply to
Michael Nielsen

Even worse when you think you have several thousands of dollars invested in this. Two things for me. Bordeaux has been over-rated for quite a while and 10 years may not be enough time in bottle for many of them to not be closed. I only buy crus bourgeois.

Reply to
lleichtman

Most are from the Medoc with a couple of Graves and one St. Emilion. I tend to prefer the cabernet focused ones but I do have a particular fondness for Cap de Faugères from Castillon. Graham

Reply to
graham

If you like the Cap de Faugeres and, hence,a more "modern" style of wine, 2004 probably is not for you. I like many of the 2004 Saint-Émilions because they are classic wines with a good balance of fruit, freshness, acidity and depth, and they show their terroir in a way which the heat of 2003 prevented for many. I have always thought that the 01s, 04s and 08s all represent excellent value for those who like the more classic style of wine but the weather was not such as to produce deep dark fruit bombs.

Tim Hartley

Reply to
Timothy Hartley

No! I adore traditional Medoc wines but, so far, most of the 2004s that I have opened have lacked any appreciable cassis/cedar aromas and the tastes have been equally indifferent. Cap de Faugères is different of course. I've found it to be reliable and well priced. Graham

Reply to
graham

Not tasted many 2004s lately, but for classified Medoc in other than a "use ful vintage" I pretty much only drink soon after release or after 15 years . I generally find the 6-12 period the worst for closing up.

My memories of a 2004 horizontal soon after release was mostly good, not gr eat, and prices up from previous vintages. I remember not liking Montrose, but other than that faded memories (and for some reason search here doesn't turn up). I bought spottily. I have no more than 3 of anything, and probab ly will try starting in a couple years.

Reply to
DaleW

Thanks for that tip, Dale! "Closed up" pretty well describes the ones I've opened so far. I have just come across the November Decanter in a local bookstore and they review the 2004s. I have some Gruaud Larose and they reckon it's fully mature and should be drunk by next year! I think I'll leave the rest for a while. Graham

Reply to
graham

DrinksForum website is not affiliated with any of the manufacturers or service providers discussed here. All logos and trade names are the property of their respective owners.