The Brane was tasted last weekend and the GPL last night:
Brane-Cantenac - Margaux - 2004
Quite a discreet nose, but some notes of blackcurrant and dark cherry. The attack is just as discreet: although soft and plump, the fruit only emerges in the middle section, spikes of cassis and dark cherry again, with occasional touches of blackberry, like mountains rising above the mist. The fruit does taste ripe, there simply isn’t enough of it to make the wine really interesting. Overall a decent bottle but like the one tasted last year, a little bland.
Grand Puy Lacoste - Pauillac - 2004
A better bouquet than the B-C, classic Pauillac, with dark berries, cigar box and cassis, along with some vanilla and violet. The attack is very soft and plump again, but there is more in the way of fruit, the spikes of cassis and blackberry much more prominent. The middle section however never really takes off - so slightly frustrating, but the bigger problem is the finish, which is dominated by a green, unripe sense of bitterness. Again, perfectly drinkable, a decent traditional-style claret, but lacking in oomph. Compared to other vintages, the 01, 02 and 07, which I have tried over the last few years, have all been better.
So basically, both these wines are nothing special! I thought I’d post them together because I know many, like me, are interested in buying 2004s to enjoy while waiting for the riper vintages to emerge properly. At a similar price, Giscours is a lot better than both, but overall, one has to tread carefully with 2004 - there are some good wines but a lot which are perfectly ok but not that wonderful. So far, my favourite, by some distance, has been Léoville-Barton.