3 | Wine | France, 2004

"Very elegant, this is all in the details, offering precise and silky texture, mouthwatering acidity and a smoky, mineral undertow that enriches flavors of patisserie pear, crystallized honey, kumquat and toasted almond. Offers a clean, citrus-tinged finish."

"Elegant, with lovely texture and focused, lively acidity. Flavors of currant, candied lemon zest, honey and white peach lead to the creamy, biscuit-tinged finish."

"The 2004 Brut Cristal has put on quite a bit of weight since I first tasted it earlier this year. It is a powerful, structured Cristal layered with considerable fruit. Chardonnay seems to play the leading role in 2004, at least today. Cristal is often accessible young, but that is far from the case here. This is a serious, painfully young Cristal that will require considerable patience. Readers who are willing to spend some time with the wine today will find a super-impressive, complete Cristal."

"Shows beautiful aromas of crushed berries and currant, with hints of mineral. Full-bodied, with lovely currant, licorice and mint. Long and caressing. Very refined and balanced. Another winner from Pontet-Canet."

"Very expressive aromas of plum, coffee, smoked meat, tobacco and underbrush. Rich, ripe and pliant; very easy to taste after the young 2006. Berry flavors are complemented by chocolate and mint. Not at all overly sweet but offers lovely concentration and balance, and finishes supple and persistent. Lovely claret." Reviewed by Stephen Tanzer.

"The dense ruby/purple-colored 2004 offers smoky creme de cassis, kirsch liqueur, crushed rock, and spring flower aromas. Opulent, flamboyant, rich, dense, and lavishly endowed, it possesses enough fruit and glycerin to nearly conceal its elevated tannin." Reviewed by Robert Parker.

"Shows fine balance and texture, with a light chalkiness adding some structure to hints of white peach, apple tarte Tatin, ground ginger and lemon pound cake. Spice and floral notes linger on the clean-cut finish."