Robert Parker rates the 2004 wines

The chronicler has just published his rates sheet on 2004 vintage, which will not compete as foreseen with their elders of 2003.
Bordeaux wines got a 87-88/100 rate, which means a fall compared with the 2003's, rated 90-95/100. Notice however that this fall mainly concerns Médoc and Sauterne wines, Pomerols's showing a 4 points increase in relation to 2003.
Other important fall: Côtes-Rôtie and Hermitage wines, which loose 11 points, even if Château-Neuf-du-Pape wines maintain their rate of 90/100, which raises level.
Forgotten last year by the critic, Spanish wines from Rioja and Riberas were much appreciated this year. They obtain a rate of 92/100.
At last, we notice that Californian wines keep quality steady and that Robert Parker did not rate Italian wines in 2004 as in 2003.
Generally speaking, the 2004 vintage was judged as 'good to very good'. But face to very favourable climatic conditions of 2003, comparison was obviously very difficult!

2005, December 20

Other information :
• Pomerol
• Rioja
• Ribeiro