Viniou Reviews
Les Songes de Magdelaine 2004 is a distinguished Saint-Émilion Grand Cru, crafted predominantly from Merlot, with a subtle blend of Cabernet Franc. This vintage, matured in the exceptional terroir of the Right Bank, benefited from a relatively balanced growing season in 2004, characterised by cooler early months and a dry, favourable late summer, allowing for an elegant ripening of the grapes. The clay-limestone soils typical of Saint-Émilion contribute to the wine’s depth and structure, and the winemaking involves careful fermentation and restrained oak ageing, which ensures the fruit character and terroir expression remain at the forefront while subtle tertiary aromas begin to develop after nearly two decades of careful cellaring.
The Saint-Émilion appellation, nestled on Bordeaux’s Right Bank, is revered for its centuries-old vinicultural heritage, dating back to Roman times. The region’s undulating landscapes, richly layered with clay, limestone, and sand, impart a unique mineral tension and complexity to its wines. The microclimate, shaped by the Dordogne river, ensures mild, temperate conditions with adequate rainfall and sun exposure, nurturing slow ripening for optimal phenolic development in the grapes. This, combined with the expertise honed by local winegrowers, grants Saint-Émilion its international reputation for producing poised, ageworthy reds with both power and finesse.
To highlight the 2004’s gentle evolution, consider pairing it with classic Bordelais cuisine such as entrecôte à la bordelaise, where the wine’s nuanced tannins and matured fruit notes elevate the richness of the meat and sauce. It will also shine with roast lamb and root vegetables, wild mushroom risotto, or a well-aged Comté cheese. Mushroom-based dishes or game birds cooked with aromatic herbs would further underscore its earthy complexity.
For optimal enjoyment, decant the wine for at least one hour to allow its bouquet to unfurl. Serve at a cool but not cold 16-18°C, which will best reveal its delicate balance of fruit, tertiary aromas of leather and tobacco, and refined mouthfeel. This wine is drinking beautifully now but promises continued evolution if cellared further.
