The 2004 Château Haut-Brion is a refined and elegant wine that has developed beautifully over time. Its bouquet, though not as complex as other top vintages, gradually reveals black fruit, black olive, and a touch of mint. The palate is medium-bodied, with a velvety texture thanks to the Merlot, followed by a more structured finish from the Cabernet. While initially reserved, the wine's personality continues to evolve, showcasing finesse, balance, and a long, precise finish. It stands out as one of the great wines of the vintage and will continue to mature gracefully.

The Wine Advocate | RP 93
Published: Feb 28, 2017
Drink: 2020-2040

It has been a few years since I last tasted the 2004 Haut-Brion. Now at 12 years of age, it retains its deep color. The bouquet is "pleasant" if not as complex as the 2004 Latour, yet it'spossibly just biding its time as it gradually opens with black fruit, black olive, even a touch of mint that might dupe you into thinking Pauillac. The palate is medium-bodied and very harmonious, almost caressing thanks to the Merlot lending that velvety texture. The second half changes tack, the Cabernet nudging the Merlot off the stage and delivering a more structured, possibly foursquare finish that is linear and correct. It is an excellent wine for the vintage although it will always be overshadowed by the 2005 inter alia. Maybe more personality just needs to develop? Tasted September 2016.  

Jamessuckling.com | JS 90
Published: Jun 30, 2013

The racy, precise nature of this beautiful wine underlines the beautiful winemaking here. It shows plenty of smoky, berry and mineral character yet is reserved and subtle. It defines what the British call claret: it’s all about finesse and balance. Drink now.

Jancisrobinson.com | JR 17.5
Published: Mar 14, 2014
Drink: 2015-2026

Deep brick-tinged garnet. Gentle and complex aromas that are hard to describe discretely. Overall there's a slightly leafy note but there's a lovely warm, spicy sweetness, a little earthy and still a trace of red fruits. More austere on the palate than I expected. Refined and refreshing. The tannins quite dry at the very end. 

Haut-brion.com

Elegant and complex, the red wine of Château Haut-Brion is very mineral and of a rare complexity, it is distinguished by an astonishing length, this aromatic persistence being the privilege of very great origins. 

Tasting note
The nose is relatively discreet but very clear, with nuances of red fruit,
minerals, wood, and smoke. This complexity is found again on the palate.
Despite its high concentration, the tannins do not overpower the palate.
The wine is straight, long, and precise. Behind its austere exterior, we discover a wine of great elegance and refinement. With the 2004, Château Haut-Brion has produced one of the great wines of the vintage.

Assembly: Merlot: 61% Cabernet sauvignon: 20% Cabernet franc: 19%