🏰 The 2004 Bachelet Gevrey Chambertin Vieilles Vignes is a 【testament to a fine winemaker's skill in a challenging vintage, offering a surprisingly vibrant and complex expression of Gevrey-Chambertin Pinot Noir】. The 2004 Burgundy vintage was generally good but faced difficulties, including a cold snap, wet conditions, and hailstorms, leading to some wines with unpleasant green and vegetal aromas. However, this particular wine is noted for being very much alive for its age, defying the vintage's reputation. Expect a nose with high-pitched bramble notes, smoky, gamey, and liquorice aromas, with underlying sweet bilberry and red fruit. The palate is medium-bodied, savory yet with sweet red and blue fruits, a silky mid-palate, and vibrant acidity. While some may detect a mild greenness, it is not off-putting, and the fruit is substantial enough to carry it. Notes of barnyard funk on opening can largely blow off, revealing cherries, blood orange, nutmeg, clove, and damp earth. 🍴 This mature Pinot Noir is an excellent match for braised short ribs, roasted game, or earthy mushroom dishes. Its savory and slightly gamey notes would also complement traditional Burgundian cuisine. 🥂 This wine is drinking perfectly now and should continue to offer pleasure for the next few years, with its drinking plateau potentially extending further. It's a rewarding choice for those who appreciate the nuances of aged Burgundy. While older corks and capsules can be a consideration, a well-preserved bottle of this Bachelet offers a delightful experience. Serving suggestion: Decant for at least an hour to allow the wine to open up and any initial reductive notes to dissipate. Serve at cellar temperature, around 16-18°C (60-64°F).