Has anyone heard anything about 2004 being a very good vintage for Barolo and Barbaresco? I was speaking to a knowledgeable wine store employee who told me that 2004 is starting to be recognized as an exceptional vintage.
I'm looking for confirmation or debate.
Thanks.

While I haven't tried any of the 2004 wines personally, it is widely agreed to be classic, superb vintage, and one not to be missed. While prices have risen (in some cases rather dramatically), the region still represents a relative value as compared to other regions, such as Bordeaux and Napa.

I am buying as much of the 2004 vintage as I can afford.

Agree with Eric... From what I've heard it is very good, in the vein that 1998, 2001 are very good -- not like 1997 or 2000 what are super-ripe.

Acclaimed as a great vintage and prices are rising in response. I'm passing for the most part since I went long on '96-'01 and those wines will most likely outlast me.

Yes.

Thanks for the confirmations!
It's good to know that the wine store employee has a good understanding of the wine he sells.

I had a 2004 Pio Cesare Barbaresco, decanted it 12 hours before drinking, Could have used another 12! I know it's way too young now, but wanted a "preview".

I've had a few of the 2004's and can confirm that those that I did have were indeed pretty good. For me, more classically structured but just lots of structure but matched always by the other components so it was the balance that you remember. My favorite of the tasting was the 2004 Gaja Barbaresco.