Cheval Blanc St-Émilion 2004

94 points Neal Martin (Wine Advocate): "Tasted at Bordeaux Index annual 10-year on tasting from an ex-château bottle. The Cheval Blanc 2004 has a masculine, tertiary bouquet with dried herbs and leather infusing the red fruit profile, the Merlot more expressive than the Cabernet Franc at the moment. The palate is medium-bodied with a composed, generous opening, darker fruit than the nose suggest: mulberry and black plum infused with liquorice. It is well balanced and harmonious, daring to show more persistency than the Petrus '04 tasted alongside. This is a classic Cheval Blanc that should drink well over the next 20 years. Tasted March 2014."

94 points Wine Spectator: "Intense aromas of tar, blackberry and wet earth, with just a hint of tobacco and flowers. Full-bodied, chewy and long. Extracted, yet turns caressing and velvety in texture. Broad-shouldered and muscular for this estate. This is better than the 2000. Best after 2012. (3/31/07)"

93 points Bettane & Desseauve's Guide to the Wines of France: "With its notes of wild strawberries, blueberries, and musk and its full, long flavors, this wine is very elegant, though it lacks a dimension that leaves it a notch below the wines in the highest echelon. (2011)"

93 points Peter Moser (Falstaff): "Strong ruby garnet, purple reflections, broader rim brightening. Fine savoury bouquet, exotic wood nuances, some liquorice and candied purple fruit, fine nougat, seductive bouquet. Medium complexity, fresh and lively structure, somewhat delicate, fine fruit sweetness on the finish, has gained well over time, marked by cool vintage. (Jan 2016)"