2004 Bordeaux Wine Vintage Summary with harvest information, vintage characteristics, buying tips and links. If you are seeking more in-depth information on anything and everything related to the Bordeaux wine region please see the: All About Bordeaux Wine Guide
The 2004 Bordeaux vintage set a record for being the largest crop in Bordeaux history. After the moist spring, flowering took place early and evenly, which demanded that vintners make serious efforts at crop thinning to reduce the yields. During the summer months, June was average. That was followed by a cooler period in July. The trend downwards continued as July was followed by a cold, rainy August. Once again, another Bordeaux vintage was saved by warm, dry and sun filled September days coupled with cool September nights. The grapes enjoyed a warm start to October. Things were looking good until harvest time. At that point, cold and rain struck by mid October. 2004 Bordeaux is marked by very high yields.
2004 Bordeaux wine is as you can see, the product of an uneven growing season. That same trait is manifested in 2004 Bordeaux wine. The wines are uneven as well. The vintage slightly favors the Right Bank, but a case can be made for 2004 Bordeaux wine from the Left Bank as well. 2004 Bordeaux wine is a classic vintage. The wines can be enjoyed young and they are not too expensive.
However, it’s important to keep in mind, as 2004 Bordeaux wine ages, even now, hints of green flavors are starting to creep into the finish. This occurs more often when producers did not lower yields and make strong selections. Some 2004 Bordeaux wine has a tendency to display an austere quality to them that does not allow much charm to shine through. 2004 Bordeaux wine remains well priced. Savvy consumers who do their homework can buy some very nice 2004 Bordeaux wine for fair prices as there are wines that deserve more than a glance. In the Medoc, look for Chateau Palmer, Ducru Beaucaillou, Leoville Poyferre, Pichon Lalande and Pichon Baron. In the Right Bank, Chateau Angelus, Pavie and Vieux Chateau Certan are sublime. Pavie Decesse, L’Evangile and Larcis Ducasse are also very nice wines.
The following list of wines combines picks for chateaux that offer quality and value. They might not always be the highest scoring wines, but they represent the best wines for the money: 2004 Best Bordeaux wine for the money today
To read about other Bordeaux vintages from 1945 to today: Bordeaux Year to Year Detailed Vintage Reports & Guide 1945 to Today
