Pedesclaux 2004

Somewhat evolved, very dark and almost fully opaque black cherry color with a faint maroon hue and a brick-orange rim. Ripe yet not sweet nose of blackcurrants, some savory woody notes of oak spice and pencil shavings, a little bit of fresh red cherry, light evolved notes of damp leather and sous-bois, a hint of something inky and a sweeter touch of toasty oak. The wine is savory, attractively resolved and velvety smooth on the palate with a medium body and quite dry flavors of ripe dark forest fruits, some tart cranberries, light woody notes of pencil shavings, a little bit of developed leathery character, a sweeter hint of dried dark fruits and a touch of licorice. The wine still retains good sense of structure, thanks to the rather high acidity and still rather ample and grippy – yet not aggressive – tannins. The finish is dry, subtly bitter and moderately grippy with quite long, savory flavors of old leather, some wizened blackcurrants, a little bit of tobacco, light woody notes of oak spice and pencil shavings, a hint of licorice and a touch of gravelly minerality.

A nice, tasty and quite classically styled Pauillac showing good sense of structure. There are some woody notes here and there that suggest that the wine might’ve been more polished and oaky in its youth, but the wine is definitely developing in the right direction and came across as quite harmonious now. There is still quite a bit of fruit and tannic structure left here, so most likely the wine will continue to improve for a good number of years more. Not the most impressive or memorable Cru Classé out there, but a nice and thoroughly enjoyable drop all the same. Drink or keep. (cellartracker)