2004 Haut-Bages Libéral

[Rudi Finkler]

In short, this bottle is a disappointment. A little bit fruit on the nose, sour cherry and unpolished tannins on the palate, and a short, leathery finish. Certainly not worth the price. No TCA detectable. I've had better bottles in the past years.

[AKR]

What is more to blame - 2004 vintage or HBL vinification?

[Rudi Finkler]

Maybe bottle variation or very low level TCA. The last bottle I had was excellent two years ago or so...

[AKR]

I guess we'll have to blame this one on the swarthy Portugese cork Mafioso