After a less than satisfactory experience with the 2001 which I found confected and marred by high alcohol, Valérie Tabaries sent me the '04 to try. The colour is dark red. The nose at first was very lactic and a bit reductive so I decanted it and left it alone for a couple hours.
It has improved quite a bit. There is some attractive dark toned Syrah-fruit showing, with a touch of garrigue, with some sweeter red fruit also - but this never becomes jammy or confected. The palate is primary, but attractively tannic and refreshing despite its sweet fruit. Long and savoury aftertaste. And the alcohol doesn't show. It's a pretty decent wine.
This was a far better experience than the 2001. I have had issues with high alcohols in many S. French '01s - maybe that was part of the problem I had previously.
Thank you Valérie for sending this,
-Otto-