Chateau Cheval Blanc 2004

JANCIS ROBINSON: "Deep, soft-edged garnet. Gorgeously complex and seductive aroma – perfumed, multilayered and even a little exotic in its spice, a touch of orange. Even with all that seduction, there's a breath of fresh air and energy. Soft, fresh and elegant. Fabulous harmony and delicacy on the palate – less intense than I expected from the nose but there is great persistence. Super smooth, gently fresh and finely aromatic."

WINE ENTHUSIAST: "This is certainly one of the stars of the vintage. With its solid tannins and dark, smoky character, it is going to be powerful, but with such elegance. The fruit flavors combine richness and freshness in fine harmony."

WEINWISSER: "Aufhellendes Granat, feiner Rand aussen. Offenes, recht fülliges Bouquet, sanft kompottig, schwarze Kirschentöne, Schokonoten, harmonisch und würzig. Samtener Gaumen, sehr aromatisch, Lakritze, stützende Fülle, Reserven aufweisend, langes Rückaroma, noch 5 Jahre brauchend."

WINE SPECTATOR: "Intense aromas of tar, blackberry and wet earth, with just a hint of tobacco and flowers. Full-bodied, chewy and long. Extracted, yet turns caressing and velvety in texture. Broad-shouldered and muscular for this estate. This is better than the 2000. Best after 2012. 3,500 cases made."

THE WINE ADVOCATE: "The 2004 Cheval Blanc has always been a wine that I felt needed patience on behalf of the wine lover, and so it is proving to be the case. Served blind I remarked upon a surprisingly Burgundy-like bouquet with ample red cherries, candied strawberry and redcurrant scents, the Merlot clearly more conspicuous than the Cabernet Franc, at least for now. The palate is medium-bodied with just a touch of coarseness on the entry. I appreciate the weight and balance here and belatedly the Cabernet Franc begins to express itself on the latter half, lending structure and grip, a dash of spice and a bit of sinew. Whilst it will never have the persistence of other vintages and regrettably continue to be dwarfed by the 2005, it remains a very fine Cheval Blanc from Pierre Lurton and his team. Tasted September 2016."

THE WINE CELLAR INSIDER: "With signs of maturity in the color, the smoky bouquet of cherry pipe tobacco, fresh herbs, kirsch, truffle and cigar box, the medium bodied wine is ready for prime time drinking. Soft, refined and silky, the finesse textures and sweet cherries feels great on your palate. Like many 2004 Bordeaux wines, this is ready to drink. I just wish it had a more concentration."