Our review of the 2004 vintage

Are you looking for a 2004 wine for a tasting, to celebrate a birthday or to build up your cellar of old wines? Discover our full review of the 2004 vintage in France’s major wine-growing regions.

Bordeaux 2004, a vintage of good quality

The 2004 Bordeaux vintage was not exceptional, but it did produce some classic, high-quality wines. Spring was mild and favourable for budburst and flowering, but heavy rains in mid-August meant that the grapes were at risk of dilution and the harvest was delayed. Fortunately, September offered ideal conditions, although picking was later than usual. The harvest was abundant, to the extent that some growers had to leave excess grapes on the vines to comply with yield limits, resulting in a loss of concentration in some wines.

On the left bank, Margaux, Pauillac and Saint-Estèphe stood out, with elegant, refined wines in Margaux, powerful, sophisticated wines in Saint-Estèphe, and some of the best wines of the vintage in Pauillac. Although Saint-Julien wines were slightly less homogeneous, some great wines were produced.

On the right bank, Saint-Émilion and Pomerol enjoyed a solid year, offering intense, mellow tannic wines, although some suffered from dilution.

As for white wines, the Pessac-Léognan appellation distinguished itself by producing elegant, concentrated wines with crystalline fruit. The best examples had the acidity, complexity and aromatic profile required for long ageing.

Sauternes 2004, a satisfactory vintage

In Sauternes, the same weather conditions prevailed as in Bordeaux. However, heavy rainfall in mid-October was a problem, as it encouraged grey rot. Fortunately, most of the best grapes had already been harvested. The harvest was therefore reduced and producers had to be vigilant to avoid rotting grapes. Despite this, the wines obtained are generally of very good quality, with a rich, fruity and fresh character. However, there were a few disappointments.

Burgundy 2004, a decent vintage

The mild spring was followed by intense cold in June, disrupting flowering. The persistent cold conditions gave rise to problems of rot and mould. Hailstorms hit the Côte de Beaune in August, reducing yields. However, a favourable September allowed the grapes to ripen properly, allaying producers’ concerns.

Red wines varied in quality, with the best coming from the Côte de Nuits.

White wines fared better, with good examples coming from Meursault, St-Aubin and Auxey-Duresses. Chablis also produced some quality wines, but some lacked concentration. Other appellations such as Puligny-Montrachet and Chassagne-Montrachet struggled.

Rhône 2004, a very good vintage

The 2004 vintage in the Rhône Valley was generally very good, despite a few problems. The warm spring was followed by a cool, wet August, but this allowed for slower, controlled ripening. September offered a fine Indian summer, leading to an ideal harvest.

Red wines from the north are fresh and fruity or full-bodied and tannic, while those from the south are rich and opulent. The main appellations in the northern Rhône, Saint-Joseph and Cornas, stood out. In addition, Châteauneuf-du-Pape and the Côtes du Rhône have produced some splendid, refined wines.

Champagne 2004, an excellent vintage

The 2004 vintage in Champagne was exceptional. Despite a cool spring, the growing season proceeded successfully, supported by a hot, sunny summer. The drought of the previous year concentrated the fruit and reduced disease. Although August was cool and rainy, September offered a magnificent Indian summer, allowing the grapes to reach perfect ripeness. The harvest, although late, was abundant and the resulting wines were excellent, with a refined structure, balanced acidity and rich fruit aromas. Moreover, the quality of the berries was in no way affected by the size of the harvest.

Our favourites from the 2004 vintage

ROEDERER Cristal Rosé 2004

Rated 96/100 by Robert Parker

« With aromas of red fruit and blackcurrant on the pure, salty nose, complex and delicately vinous, Cristal Rosé 2004 is a juicy yet structured cuvée, vibrantly fresh and energetic, with very fine tannins, great lightness, finesse and elegance. »

See Roederer Cristal Rosé 2004 in our shop

DOMAINE COMTE LIGER BELAIR 2004

Rated 97/100 by Robert Parker

« The 2014 Romanée Grand Cru has a clean, precise nose with black cherry, bergamot and blackberry with fine delineation, then further investigative notes on the orange sorbet I observed in barrel. The medium-bodied palate reveals fine delineation, lively acidity and a hint of salinity on the finish. It has firmed up a little in bottle, but its intensity and length are remarkable, while retaining that “tempting finish” (to quote myself). This is an excellent La Romanée that could have the temerity to challenge the next vintage. »

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JEAN-LOUIS CHAVE Blanc 2004

Rated 95/100 by Robert Parker

« The 2004 is light gold in colour, with tremendous finesse and elegance despite its enormous power, creaminess and richness. Of course, it’s not as honeyed as the 2003, but it’s incredibly full-bodied and powerful, with overpowering notes of honeysuckle, peach liqueur and nectarine intermixed with liquorice, quince and acacia flowers. »

See Jean-Louis Chave Blanc 2004 in our shop