La Mission Haut Brion 2004

robert_parker94

Reviewed by: Neal Martin

A deep garnet core with dark ruby rim. The nose pales against the 2005 as expected, lacking the same degree of intensity and penetration. More sous-bois/tertiary character with a touch of wild hedgerow and even a little mulberry and capsicum. A medium-bodied palate, tertiary personality, good acidity, some oak still unresolved with a bit of a hard landing on the finish. Moderate length. A decent La Mission, workmanlike but austere. This has firmed up over the last few months and should be left 4-5 years. Drink 2012-2020. Tasted May 2008.

robert_parker97

Reviewed by: Neal Martin

The nose has more intensity and expression than Haut-Brion. Blackberry, cedar, damp earth and blueberry. Superb definition. Smooth entry leads to a silky texture. The tannins are cloaked in very ripe black fruits. Very harmonious and elegant, quite a feminine La Mission. Good persistency - this is a great La Mission. Superb. Tasted April 2005.

robert_parker91

Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.

The deep ruby/purple color of the 2004 La Mission Haut-Brion is accompanied by meaty scents interwoven with hints of wet gravel, smoke, black raspberries, and cassis. This elegant, streamlined effort possesses crisp acidity and medium body. It should be approachable in 2-4 years, and last for 12-15.

robert_parker93

Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.

This is the first vintage under the full control of Jean-Philippe Delmas, who succeeded his father, Jean-Bernard, who produced all the La Missions between 1983 and 2003 (Jean-Bernard succeeded his father, who produced every vintage of Haut-Brion in the twenties, thirties, forties, and fifties). A blend of 55% Merlot, 42% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 3% Cabernet Franc, the 2004 exhibits a deep ruby/purple color as well as a big nose of damp earth, cedar, smoke, tobacco, black currants, and cherries. There is excellent sweetness, medium to full body, serious muscle, elegance, and finesse in this fine La Mission. It should be at its best between 2008 and 2020+.

robert_parker90

Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.

While La Mission Haut-Brion’s 2004 is not one of this estate’s top successes, it is an outstanding wine, no doubt because of this extraordinary terroir. Deep ruby/purple with notes of lead pencil shavings intermixed with black cherries, cassis, and a hint of scorched earth, medium body, sweet tannin, and a good, but uninspiring finish, this attractive, mid-weight La Mission should age nicely for 15 or more years.

vinous93

Reviewed by: Neal Martin

The 2004 La Mission Haut-Brion is the first vintage in a while that transcends the growing season. It shows a deep garnet core with faint bricking at the rim. The very pleasant tertiary nose displays touches of pitted black olives and bell peppers; you can immediately tell that it does not derive from a warm growing season. The medium-bodied palate delivers fine-grained tannins, well-judged acidity and black fruit tinged with a light marine/seaweed influence toward the no-frills finish. It does its job, does it well, then leaves. This is drinking well now, and though I cannot foresee any advantages in long-term cellaring, it should hold up well for the next 12–15 years. Tasted at a private dinner in Bordeaux.

vinous91

Reviewed by: Stephen Tanzer

Deep red-ruby. Bright aromas of dark fruits, licorice, rocks and leather, lifted by a light peppery nuance. Dense and broad, with a creamy, seamless mid-palate texture and a restrained sweetness. Finishes with fine, broad tannins and noteworthy persistence. With its very fresh style, this comes across as a bit more delineated today than the 2005 Haut-Brion. An excellent showing.

vinous93

Reviewed by: Stephen Tanzer

Good medium ruby. Blueberry and pungent minerality on the nose. Dense, pure and high-pitched; impressive for its definition and grip but not at all lacking in flesh. Finishes with chewy, gripping tannins and excellent length. Still quite youthfully unevolved.

vinous93

Reviewed by: Stephen Tanzer

(55% merlot, 42% cabernet sauvignon and 3% cabernet franc) Deep medium ruby. Cool aromas of dark berries, kirsch, menthol and minerals. Large-scaled, dense, pure and mouthfilling but extremely backward. Less expressive today than Haut-Brion, possibly due to the higher cabernet sauvignon percentage. Finishes with big, broad, building tannins and a lingering note of licorice.