TN: 2004 Maybach Materium

mike_pobega · February 16, 2009, 2:04pm

Blind-I knew I had this before by nose alone. An I knew I liked it before. It was dark and lush with some eucalyptus. A wonderful mouth feel with some decent structure and an exotic woven tannin level. I had pinned this for a Merus. It was long and full with tons of black cherries and currant. Some cola and cocoa. A Very early favorite. I would have decanted longer as a two hour decant did not seem enough. 92/100

Russ_Williams · February 16, 2009, 4:07pm

Mike - would you be willing to pay the tariff for another bottle? I believe this went for $115 at release.

mike_pobega · February 16, 2009, 4:33pm

Russ, yes. I’m a fan.

Glenn_L_e_v_i_n_e · February 16, 2009, 4:44pm

thx for the review. bought in 04 & 05 but have not had one yet.

Bill_Tex_Landreth · February 16, 2009, 4:45pm

The '05 kicks much ass. I have had six bottles so far.

Eric_White · February 16, 2009, 5:25pm

six already?? That’s my entire allocation (minus the mag)!

Cheryl_M_i_l_l_s · February 16, 2009, 5:29pm

I like the 2004, but I think I prefer the 2005. It is a bit bigger (but not a clobber you over the head kind of way). Just a bit less subtle.

Bill_Tex_Landreth · February 16, 2009, 5:30pm

I have generous friends.

Otto_Dobre · February 16, 2009, 6:53pm

I also prefer the 05 to the 04. Has anyone had a taste of the 06 or 07?

mike_pobega · February 16, 2009, 7:19pm

The '06 is the best yet.

B_Stucker · February 16, 2009, 8:58pm

I loved the 04 but have not yet had an 05. I am thinking of taking one to dinner on Saturday. What is the recommended decant time for the 05?

mike_pobega · February 16, 2009, 9:00pm

5 hours. No kidding.

Mr Woods pop and pour would be detrimental.
But then again, in his mind so would cab and pizza…

Bill_Tex_Landreth · February 16, 2009, 9:00pm

Six hours seems to do the trick.

mike_pobega · February 16, 2009, 9:02pm

great minds Bill. I allotted for travel…

B_Stucker · February 16, 2009, 9:07pm

Thanks gentlemen ( I use that word hesitatingly for some of you. ).

mike_pobega · February 16, 2009, 9:09pm

BTW, in a correspondence wth Chris Maybach back in September, he recco’d a 3-4 hour ‘opening’ time.
I did a 1.5 double decant and the wine showed very nice indeed.

Tony_V_e_l_e_b_i_l · February 16, 2009, 11:53pm

Having tasted all three multiple times:

My faves in order:

2006
2004
2005

The 2006 ranks up there with the best young cabs I have ever tasted…probably right with 03 Araujo Eisele and 02 Harlan.

The 2004 I like better than the 05 b/c I think it has better complexity, better acidity but needs time to unwind.

the 2005 is defiinitely richer than the 04 but loses some of the complexity and acidity.

The 06 is the perfect blend of both 04 and 05 IMO…

I can see the 06 garnering 98+ points.

Otto_Dobre · February 16, 2009, 11:57pm

Hopefully the $125 price will stay put!

Russ_Williams · February 17, 2009, 12:24am

I cannot imagine in this environment there would be a priced hike. Actually, it would be refreshing to see a drop. At $125/btl it is going to be a tough decision under current circumstances.

Eric_White · February 17, 2009, 12:27am

Agreed, and it’s increasingly likely I won’t take my entire allocation this time - we’ll see…