Chateau Giscours 2004

WEINWISSER: "Mitteldunkles Rubin-Granat. Verspieltes, fast parfümiertes Fruchtbouquet, dunkle Rosen, Zedernholztouch, aber auch Tabaknoten im Untergrund. Im Gaumen fest, dunkelbeerig, tiefschürfende Aromatik, mit Lakritze und Cassis endend, mittelfeine Gerbstoffe, diese werden sich mit dem Flaschenausbau aber noch schleifen."

WINE ENTHUSIAST: "A smooth, delicious wine. The fruit flavors go right through this ripe, complex wine, leaving the tannins and wood as supporting acts. As with so many 2004s, the aftertaste is fresh, with great acidity."

JANCIS ROBINSON: "Dense crimson. Not the purest, cleanest nose – a grace note? But lovely fresh, seductive, polished fruit on the palate. Very fine wine with real juice and fluidity. Neat finish. Second favourite of the group!"

THE WINE ADVOCATE: "Tasted at the Château Giscours vertical, the 2004 Château Giscours is a blend of 58% Cabernet Sauvignon and 42% Merlot picked between September 30 and October 16. It has a very pleasant bouquet with ripe blackcurrant, raspberry coulis, mineral and light violet scents that blossom nicely in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin. This is not a complex Giscours, more conservative and a little austere. Yet you have to commend the freshness and the finesse towards the finish, as it delivers delicate tarry notes on the aftertaste."

JAMES SUCKLING: "This is very fresh and firm with really beautiful chocolate, walnut and berry character on the nose and palate. Full body with chewy yet polished tannins and a flavorful finish. Subtle and fine. Drink or hold."

DECANTER: "Lighter and more classic in style, the 2004 is the opposite end of the spectrum from 2003. The nose is more floral with a hint of iris, the palate juicy but light-bodied, the tannins sandy and slightly chewy on the finish. It's a simpler wine but balanced and I would say best drunk now."

THE WINE CELLAR INSIDER: "Fresh earth, cassis, wild berries and tobacco scents open to a soft, polished, ready to drink, elegant, classic Bordeaux wine. The wine was made from a blend of 58% Cabernet Sauvignon and 42% Merlot."

WINE SPECTATOR: "A solid red, with blackberry, plum and light cedar aromas and flavors. Full-bodied, with silky tannins and a long, caressing aftertaste. All together here. Best after 2008. 25,000 cases made."