Source: 229, The Wine Advocate; Issue Date: 28th Feb 2017 (RP-94)

The 2004 Chateau Margaux has always been a promising wine and here, served blind against the First Growths, it finally proved that patience is necessary when it comes to such wines. It has an exquisite bouquet with brilliant delineation, scents of redcurrant, raspberry coulis, cold stone (almost flint-like) with pencil-lead and cedar lending it a Pauillac-like sense of aristocratic flair. The palate is extremely well balanced with a supple opening, nigh perfect acidity with a surprisingly citric undercurrent that lends so much freshness and tension. While it does not have the weight and power of say, 2000, 2005 or 2009, it cruises along with utmost harmony and you become smitten by its charms – something that is perhaps in short supply among the First Growths in this vintage. This is excellent. Tasted September 2016.
Drink Date 2020 – 2050

Source: Winemaker,

2004 was born in conditions closely resembling those of 1996: the same unsettled summer weather, the same lovely early autumn, the same rainy harvest? Last minute rain though in no way modifies the body of a wine, nor weakens its muscle; it only takes away a bit of fatness, which gives it a finer silhouette. Chateau Margaux 2004 is therefore a great classic vintage. There is great finesse and above all purity on the nose in this subtle combination of floral, fruit and spice aromas; all are clearly present, but no single aroma dominates. On the palate, the tannic structure is tight-knit, fine and tender. The general impression is firstly balance, precision, freshness and finally an air-light grace which can only be found in great Margaux. We can start drinking it now eventhough it has a bright future ahead of it. (October 2018)

Climate
After quite a late bud-burst, spring was cool and rather dry. The temperatures then went up in late May, while an early and lengthy period of drought set in. As a result, the flowering was quick and the setting went through perfectly, which reinforced our forecasts of an abundant crop. The summer was “normal”, in so far as no excessively hot, cool, wet or dry weather was noted. At the end of August, all the potential was there, including the chance of a great vintage. The month of September, which was hot and dry, was therefore decisive, as it often proves in Bordeaux, allowing an even and complete ripening of all the grape varieties. (Picking began on October 1st)