90+ 2004 Chateau de Launay 7/11/09 ($24)
13.5% alc
Color: Medium deep garnet. (3.0) Bouquet: Rich cassis and black ink with smooth black pepper tannins. Moss-like (wet forest floor) herbal complexity. (3.5) Body: Solid middleweight that is balanced with very good structure, chalky acidity and some tannin. Excellent, but could be more mouth-coating. (3.0) Flavor: Parallels bouquet with excellent acidity propelling the fruit and herbal complexity. (3.0) Finish: Has length, but shows some astringency and could be more concentrated. Black pepper tannins and chalky acidity linger. (2.5)
Overall: A fine '04 Bordeaux from just outside of St. Emilion. Has impressive tannic structure for a Merlot based Bordeaux blend, supporting excellent cassis fruit and chalky acidity. Excellent now and could improve in the next few years. (15.0)
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