2004 is a great vintage of Pavillon Blanc! The summer weather conditions, which were on the whole very good, but without any extreme heat, enabled a slow, complete ripening of the Sauvignon grapes while preserving their aromatic finesse and a good potential acidity. Few vintages have enjoyed such a balance between power and liveliness: 2004 has length, the fatness and the sap of the 2001 (and also in fact the same alcoholic degree) as well as an amazing freshness of aromas and flavours. We can scarcely believe that a wine of 14.5% alcohol can be so fine and leave the palate so fresh...It has today probably reached its peak even if there really is no urgency to drink the wine (October 2018)
Margaux
Climate
After quite a late bud-burst, spring was cool and rather dry. The temperatures then went up in late May, while an early and lengthy period of drought set in. As a result, the flowering was quick and the setting went through perfectly, which reinforced our forecasts of an abundant crop. The summer was "normal", in so far as no excessively hot, cool, wet or dry weather was noted. At the end of August, all the potential was there, including the chance of a great vintage. The month of September, which was hot and dry, was therefore decisive, as it often proves in Bordeaux, allowing an even and complete ripening of all the grape varieties. (Picking began on October 1st)