TN: 2004 La Tour Haut Brion

[JonB]

Dark ruby, medium bodied. Smoke, cherry/cassis on the nose, on the palate chalky, chewy tannin in the background mars a grapey plum and iron rich earth taste. Plenty of acid lift on the short finish. On day 2 the tannin receded and the wine felt more balanced, so I'll give this another 3 or 4 years before trying another. 87-89 points.

I like the '04 La Chapelle de La Mission Haut Brion much more at this stage; it is aging faster and the tannins and oak are receding.

[jal]

Was that the last production vintage of this wine? I bought a few bottles and I remember really liking it the one time I opened it.

[JonB]

I believe the last vintage was 2005, and La Tour was folded into La Chapelle de la Mission.

SteveH may have touted this wine, and several of us bought it at a Zachy's sale (at least I did). Perhaps it was just in an awkward stage.

[rjsussex]

I've been underwhelmed with this and side by side with the 02 the latter seemed much better...

Richard