Château Haut-Beausejour Saint-Estephe 2004

The 7th and 2nd last wine in our tasting. Made from a Blend of 52% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Petit Verdot and 3% Côt, it opened initially to minimal aromas but after an hour or so opened up to show red and black berries, earth, cedar and some spices. On the palate initially quite thin and raspy, but with aeration it firmed up to show muscular fruit, a good dose of oak, chewey savoury tannins and a nice drying finish. This was an interesting wine for me, with good structure. Just needs time in the decanter or cellar to express.
50+4+13+18+8 = 93/100