because if not, it would have undeniably been ugly. Those who harvested their pinot by machine, I can only imagine what those wines are like. We had sugars between 12 and 13%, which is good considering the relatively mediocre growing season. I didn't want to push the extraction and did a careful settling out of the gross lees to avoid any off aromas or flavors. For me, 2004 is moderately better in white than red but the reds are fresh, delicious and will provide for some lovely drinking. (JAO Imports, McLean, VA as well as DIVA Imports, Beaune, FR - diva@planetb.fr; John Armit, Decorum Vintners, Bibendum, Laytons Wine Merchants and Majestic Wine Warehouses, all UK). A noticeably riper nose with hints of pain grillé and exotic fruit aromas plus strong citrus traces merge into detailed, complex, intense and beautifully balanced medium-bodied plus flavors that culminate in a rich, full and powerful finish. This is a complete wine with good upside potential.
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