Médoc 2004: The Revelations of the Crus Bourgeois

Just before the Bordeaux Futures 2005, an "exceptional" vintage that would post high prices, a coming back on 2004 called the "normal" year in le Médoc is very interesting. Indeed the 2004 at the end of the maturing step seems to be judged too hastily. It shows today its real potential.

This abundant vintage is characterized more by its heterogeneousness than by its normality. Indeed the Châteaux who seriously practiced "green harvests" obtained ripe and balanced grapes which are the guarantees of a high quality wine that could be keep well.

A hotchpotch would be dangerous! What's a shame to miss successes like Châteaux Phélan Ségur, Bibian or Julien: three Crus Bourgeois that offer in 2004 well structured wines with an unexpected freshness and complexity and which is full of aromas of red and black fruits.

On these excellent soils of deep grave "the whole world envy them" - to use an old advert words- You have not heard the last of Médoc 2004.

2006, April 13 - © Le Monde

Other information :
• Médoc
• Bordeaux
• Château Phélan Ségur