Chateau Lynch Bages Pauillac, Bordeaux, Complete Guide

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Learn everything about Chateau Lynch Bages, Pauillac Fifth Growth, with wine tasting notes, and wine with food pairing tips. Learn the best vintages, history of the property, information on the vineyards and winemaking. If you want to read about other important, Bordeaux Chateaux: Links to all Bordeaux Wine Producer Profiles

Chateau Lynch Bages History, Overview

Lynch Bages, which has a long history in Bordeaux takes its name from the local area where the chateau is located in Bages. The vineyard of what was to become Lynch Bages was established and then expanded by the Dejean family who sold it in 1728 to Pierre Drouillard.

In 1749, Drouillard bequeathed the estate to his daughter, Elizabeth, the wife of Thomas Lynch. This is how the estate came to belong to the Lynch family, where it remained for seventy-five years and inspired the name Lynch Bages. However, it was not always known under that name.

For a while, the wines were sold under the name of Jurine Bages. In fact, when the estate was Classified in the 1855 Classification of the Medoc, the wines were selling under the name of Chateau Jurine Bages. That is because the property was owned at the time by a Swiss wine merchant, Sebastien Jurine.

In 1862, the property was sold to the Cayrou brothers who restored the estate’s name to Chateau Lynch-Bages in honor of the Lynch family.

Chateau Lynch Bages Pauillac Bordeaux

Around 1870, Lou Janou Cazes and his wife Angelique were living in Pauillac, close to Chateau Pichon Longueville Baron. It was here that Jean-Charles Cazes, the couple’s second son, was born in 1877.

In the 1930’s, Jean-Charles Cazes, who was already in charge of Les-Ormes-de-Pez in St. Estephe agreed to lease the vines of Lynch Bages. By that time, the Cazes family had a long history in Bordeaux dating back to the second half of the nineteenth century.

This agreement to take over Lynch Bages was good for both the owner and the energetic Jean Charles Cazes, because the vineyards had become dilapidated, and were in need of expensive replanting, which was too expensive for the owner. But for Cazes, this represented an opportunity, as he had the time, and the ability to manage Lynch Bages, but he lacked the funds to buy the vineyard.

Jean-Charles Cazes eventually purchased both properties on the eve of the Second World War. Lynch Bages and Les-Ormes-de-Pez have been run by the Cazes family ever since. In 1988, the Cazes family added to their holdings in Bordeaux when they purchased an estate in the Graves region, Chateau Villa Bel Air.

Chateau Lynch Bages, The Modern Era

Around 1970, they increased their vineyards with the purchase of land from Haut-Bages Averous and Saussus. By the late 1990’s their holdings had expanded to almost 100 hectares! Jean-Michel Cazes who had been employed as an engineer in Paris, joined the wine trade in 1973. In a short time, Jean Michel Cazes modernized everything at Lynch Bages.

He installed a new vat room, insulated the buildings, developing new technologies and equipment, building storage cellars, restoring the loading areas and wine storehouses over the next fifteen years. During that time period, Jean Michel Cazes was the unofficial ambassador of not just the Left Bank, but all of Bordeaux!

Jean Michel Cazes met more people, traveled more often and promoted his wines to the world like no other owner. Lynch Bages is one of the most popular and cherished brand names in Bordeaux wine today thanks to the tireless efforts of Jean Michel Cazes. It’s interesting to note that Jean Michel Cazes was one of the first chateau owners to begin promoting their wine in China in 1986!

In 1985, Lynch Bages became the first wine sent into space, when a French astronaut carried a bottle of 1975 Lynch Bages with him on the joint American/French space flight!

Beginning in 1987, Jean-Michel Cazes joined the team at the insurance company AXA, who wanted to build an investment portfolio of quality vineyards in the Medoc, Pomerol, Sauternes, Portugal and Hungary.

Jean-Michel Cazes was named the director of the wine division and all the estates including of course, the neighboring, Second Growth, Chateau Pichon Baron. This was a busy time for Jean-Michel Cazes.

June 1989 marked the inauguration of the new wine making facilities at Lynch Bages, which took place just in time, to welcome one of the best vintages of Lynch Bages ever produced. 1989 also marked the debut of the Cordeillan-Bages hotel and restaurant. A few years after that, the Village de Bages with its shops was born.

The following year, in 1990, the estate began making white wine, Blanc de Lynch Bages. In 2001, the Cazes family company bought vineyards in the Rhone Valley in the Languedoc appellation, as well as in Australia and Portugal. They added to their holdings a few years later when they purchased a vineyard in Chateauneuf du Pape.

In 2006, Jean-Charles Cazes took over as the managing director of Chateau Lynch Bages. Jean-Michel Cazes continues to lead the wine and tourism division of the family’s activities. Due to their constant promotion in the Asian market, Chateau Lynch Bages remains one of the strongest brands in the Asian market, especially in China.

In 2017, Chateau Lynch Bages began a massive renovation and modernization, focusing on their winemaking, and technical facilities. The project, headed by the noted architects Chien Chung Pei and Li Chung Pei, the sons of the famous architect that designed the glass pyramid for the Louvre in Paris as well as several other important buildings.

The project was completed in 2021. This includes a new grape, reception center, gravity-flow wine cellar, and the vat rooms, which will house at least, 80 stainless steel vats in various sizes allowing for parcel by parcel vinification.

The new cellars will feature a glass roof, terraces with 360-degree views, and completely modernized reception areas and offices. 2017 is a big year of change and investment for the Cazes family. In March, 2017, they purchased Chateau Haut Batailley from Françoise Des Brest Borie giving the Cazes family over 120 hectares of 1855 classified vines in Pauillac!

Sadly, Jean-Michel Cazes passed aways, June 28, 2023 at 88 years of age. His impact on Bordeaux cannot be stressed enough. And Bordeaux remains better for it.

Extensive work in the vines starting in 2005 with Massal Selection

Starting in 2005, Chateau Lynch Bages began working extensively in their vineyards to protect their vegetal genetic material. The chateau adopted “selection massale” for replanting.

“Massale selection” differs from clonal selection in the following ways: a clone is a vine propagated from one single vine, a mother vine, and each plant is identical in DNA and uniform in personality. During the ’60s and ’70s that became the rule in Bordeaux.

Today, most of the plantations are still done with this technique, using nursery-supplied clones. As a result, we believe in the long run, a vineyard loses its identity. To avoid that situation, we decided to act before it was too late.

Massal selection involves choosing a number of outstanding vines from the vineyard and then propagating new vines from that budwood. Massal selection is accomplished through field selections by taking carefully chosen cuttings from old vines. In order to perpetuate the original diversity, we only consider parcels planted more than 50 years ago.

Lynch Bages feels the mix in the older vines is the result of decades of observations, adaptations and optimization on the actual terroir of the estate. They also think genetic diversity results in an efficient safety-oriented strategy, leading to less exposure to a catastrophic disease or adverse condition that could gravely affect a cloned vineyard.

To help ensure the correct result, cuttings from only the very top vines are propagated. This is a long-term and highly time-consuming process. However, it’s well worth the effort in our opinion.

After several years of work, they put together a “bank” of thousands of carefully selected Petit Verdot and Cabernet Sauvignon genetically different vines for use in the vineyards of Lynch Bages. These vines reflect the long history and diversity of the Lynch-Bages vineyards.

Their first Petit Verdot parcels planted with this technique were harvested with the 2010 harvest.

Jean Michel Cazes Lynch Bages Friends

Chateau Lynch Bages Vineyard, Terroir, Grapes

The sizeable, 100-hectare vineyard of Lynch Bages is planted to 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot. The vineyard has a terroir of gravel, chalk, and sand soils.

The vineyard can be divided into 2 main sections, with a large portion of the vines being planted close to the chateau on the Bages plateau. At its peak, the vineyard reaches an elevation of 20 meters. The other section of the vineyard lies further north, with its key terroir placed on the Monferan plateau. There are also vines placed close to the village of Pauillac, near the Gironde.

They also own vines in the far southwest of the appellation, next to Chateau Pichon Lalande, on the St. Julien border, which can be used in the Grand Vin. The vineyard can be split into 4 main blocks, which can be further subdivided into 140 separate parcels.

The average age of the vines is about 30 years old. But they have old vines, some of which are close to 90 years old. The vineyards are planted to a vine density of 9,000 vines per hectare. The average age of the vines is about 30 years old. But they have old vines, some of which are close to 90 years old.

Chateau Lynch-Bages Blanc de Lynch-Bages White Wine

6 hectares of vine are reserved for the production of the white Bordeaux wine of Chateau Lynch Bages. Those vines are located to the west of the estate. They are planted to 53% Sauvignon Blanc, 32% Semillon and 15% Muscadelle. On average, those vines are about 20 years of age. Lynch Bages Blanc made its debut in 1990.

To produce the wine of Chateau Lynch Bages, vinification takes place 35 stainless steel vats that vary in size. Malolactic fermentation takes place in a combination of 30% French, oak barrels with the remainder taking place in tank.

The wine of Chateau Lynch Bages is aged in an average of 70% new, French oak barrels for between 12 and 15 months. Due to the appellation laws of Pauillac, the wine is sold as a generic AOC Bordeaux Blanc, because Pauillac does not allow for the plantings of white wine grapes.

Lynch Bages reflections

Chateau Lynch Bages Wine Making

For the vinification of their white, Bordeaux wine, Blanc de Lynch-Bages is vinified in a combination of 50% new, French oak barrels, 20% in one-year-old barrels, and the remaining 30% is vinified in vats. The wine is aged on its lees for at least six months. The white wine is sold an AOC Bordeaux wine.

The annual production at Lynch Bages is Close to 35,000 cases that can be produced in a good vintage. There is a second wine. Previously known as Chateau Chateau Haut Bages Averous, the estate changed its name to the much easier to pronounce and remember, Echo de Lynch Bages with the 2007 vintage. To further increase quality, the estate recently added a third wine, Pauillac de Lynch-Bages.

The best vintages of Chateau Lynch Bages are: 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2006, 2005, 2003, 2000, 1996, 1990, 1989, 1985, 1982, 1970, 1961 and 1959. Chateau Lynch Bages is clearly a top producer. But it is not always consistent. The wines can be a bit more vintage dependent than some of their neighbors.

Character and style of Lynch Bages

The style of wine at Chateau Lynch Bages blends power, concentration, style, and charm. In the middle between traditional and modern styles, the wine is best when it’s concentrated, offering ripe cassis, tobacco, wet earth, and truffle flavors with firm tannins.

The wine ages extremely well. In the best vintages, 30, 40, or 50 years of evolution is possible. Lynch Bages is a wine for patient wine lovers, as it often needs 15-20 years in the top vintages to show its best.

When to Drink Chateau Lynch Bages, Anticipated Maturity, Decanting Time

Chateau Lynch Bages needs time in the cellar before it can truly be enjoyed, as the wine is quite powerful and tannic in its youth. Young vintages can be decanted for an average of 2-4 hours, or more. This allows the wine to soften and open its perfume. Older vintages might need very little decanting, just enough to remove the sediment.

Chateau Lynch Bages is usually better with at least 10-15 years of bottle age. Of course, that can vary slightly, depending on the vintage character. Chateau Lynch Bages offers its best drinking and should reach peak maturity between 15-50 years of age after the vintage.

Serving Chateau Lynch Bages with Wine, Food and Pairing Tips

Chateau Lynch Bages is best served at 15.5 degrees Celsius, 60 degrees Fahrenheit. The cool, almost cellar temperature gives the wine more freshness and lift. Chateau Lynch Bages is best served with all types of classic meat dishes, veal, pork, beef, lamb, duck, game, roast chicken, roasted, braised, and grilled dishes.

Chateau Lynch Bages is a perfect match with Asian dishes, hearty fish courses like tuna, mushrooms, and pasta as well as cheese.

The white wine, Blanc de Lynch-Bages is perfect for a wide variety of seafood dishes, raw and cooked, chicken, veal, pork, and of course, cheese.

The Cazes family owns vineyards in several regions outside of Bordeaux. Since 2006 the Cazes family owns vines in the Rhone Valley, in Chateauneuf du Pape they own Domaine des Senechaux and they also make wine at Domaine de L’Ostal Cazes in Minervois. They have a partnership in the Douro with the Roquette family to produce Xisto Roquette E Cazes.

Wine, food, and hospitality are not the only things the Cazes family is invested in. In 2015, Jean Michel Cazes announced he was producing beer as well. The first beer from the Cazes family Brasserie de Bages beer is aptly named “D2,” which takes its name from the famous Route de Medoc highway in Bordeaux that runs north to south in the Left Bank. Three beers are being made, Le Cask, which is aged in old, used Lynch Bages barrels, and a 100% wheat beer, La Beneze.

The Cazes family is also involved in arranging for customers to produce their own wine through their company, VINIV. Customers can purchase grapes from either the Right Bank or the Left Bank, and with the help of winemakers at Chateau Lynch Bages, they can create their own custom blend and label it as they wish, provided they purchase at least one barrel, which is 25 cases of wine.

Starting with the 2015 vintage, Chateau Lynch Bages upped their technology game when they became the first estate in Bordeaux to use the “Winegrid” system. Wine grid monitors the development of the wine inside the barrel or vat, keeping track of the wine’s alcohol level, sugar content, color, and ambient temperature. The technology is being developed with the help of Jean Charles Cazes.

www.lynchbages.com

Château Lynch-Bages Wine Tasting Notes

61 Vintages 2,442,919 Views Sort by Vintage-Rating

2022
97
Opaque in color, the wine is packed with with smoky cassis, blackberries, tobacco leaf, black cherries, licorice, flowers, chocolate, and blackberry liqueur. Powerful, full-bodied, rich, dense and intense, the wine is long, vibrant and intense. 2022 is a palate staining wine with never before seen levels of concentration. But, even with all that concentration, the wine remains balanced, fresh, and Pauillac in style. The finish holds your attention for 50 seconds or more while it builds and refreshes. The wine blends 66% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot and 3% Cabernet Franc, 14.2% ABV. 3.71 pH. The harvest took place September 12 - September 24. The yields were 35 hectoliters per hectare. The Grand Vin was produced from 70% of the harvest. Drink from 2027-2060. 96-98 Pts.

Opaque in color, the wine is packed with with smoky cassis, blackberries, tobacco leaf, black cherries, licorice, flowers, chocolate, and blackberry liqueur. Powerful, full-bodied, rich, dense and intense, the wine is long, vibrant and intense. 2022 is a palate staining wine with never before seen levels of concentration. But, even with all that concentration, the wine remains balanced, fresh, and Pauillac in style. The finish holds your attention for 50 seconds or more while it builds and refreshes. The wine blends 66% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot and 3% Cabernet Franc, 14.2% ABV. 3.71 pH. The harvest took place September 12 - September 24. The yields were 35 hectoliters per hectare. The Grand Vin was produced from 70% of the harvest. Drink from 2027-2060. 96-98 Pts.

11,778 Views   Tasted
2022
93
Flowers, lemons, white peach, orange rind, white flowers and spice show in the nose and on the bright, citrus, pear and green apple filled palate. This is going to be delicious on release. The wine is produced from blending 67% Sauvignon Blanc, 22% Semillon and 11% Muscadelle. Drink from 2023-2032. 93-93 Pts.

Flowers, lemons, white peach, orange rind, white flowers and spice show in the nose and on the bright, citrus, pear and green apple filled palate. This is going to be delicious on release. The wine is produced from blending 67% Sauvignon Blanc, 22% Semillon and 11% Muscadelle. Drink from 2023-2032. 93-93 Pts.

1,504 Views   Tasted
2022
91
Tobacco, smoke, forest leaf and blackberries are what you find in the nose and on the palate. This superb baby Lynch Bages is an outstanding Pauillac on its own, due to its core of cassis, blackberries, spice, smoke, cigar box and herbs. The fruit is sweet, ripe, and vibrant. The wine is blend of 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Merlot, and 5% Cabernet Franc. Drink from 2025-2040. 90-92 Pts.

Tobacco, smoke, forest leaf and blackberries are what you find in the nose and on the palate. This superb baby Lynch Bages is an outstanding Pauillac on its own, due to its core of cassis, blackberries, spice, smoke, cigar box and herbs. The fruit is sweet, ripe, and vibrant. The wine is blend of 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Merlot, and 5% Cabernet Franc. Drink from 2025-2040. 90-92 Pts.

3,019 Views   Tasted
2021
94
Smoke, cedar, cigar box, cassis, spearmint, and spice nuances set the perfume where it needs to be. The palate, with its layers of vibrant, sweet, fresh, energetic, chewy fruits leaves a lasting impression. There is concentration, depth of flavor, chewiness, and length here that would make this a serious wine in a top vintage. But, with 2021, this is a tremendous success that exceeds the vintage. The wine blends 67% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot and 3% Cabernet Franc. The yields were low at 34 hectoliters per hectare. Drink from 2027-2050.

Smoke, cedar, cigar box, cassis, spearmint, and spice nuances set the perfume where it needs to be. The palate, with its layers of vibrant, sweet, fresh, energetic, chewy fruits leaves a lasting impression. There is concentration, depth of flavor, chewiness, and length here that would make this a serious wine in a top vintage. But, with 2021, this is a tremendous success that exceeds the vintage. The wine blends 67% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot and 3% Cabernet Franc. The yields were low at 34 hectoliters per hectare. Drink from 2027-2050.

338 Views   Tasted
Deep and dark in color, the wine is packed with crème de cassis, tobacco leaf, currants, cigar box and forest floor. On the palate, the wine is fresh, bright, chewy and crisp, with firm tannins. Classic in style, with an energetic, bright, savory-tinted finish, give it some time in the cellar before opening a bottle. The wine blends 67% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot and 3% Cabernet Franc, 13.14% ABV. The yields were low at 34 hectoliters per hectare. Drink from 2027-2050. 92-94

Deep and dark in color, the wine is packed with crème de cassis, tobacco leaf, currants, cigar box and forest floor. On the palate, the wine is fresh, bright, chewy and crisp, with firm tannins. Classic in style, with an energetic, bright, savory-tinted finish, give it some time in the cellar before opening a bottle. The wine blends 67% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot and 3% Cabernet Franc, 13.14% ABV. The yields were low at 34 hectoliters per hectare. Drink from 2027-2050. 92-94

4,006 Views   Tasted
2021
93
A straight shot of lemons, white peach and lime, vanilla and green apple form the core of this crisp, vibrant, bright, lemon-dominated wine. Drink from 2023-2032. 93-93

A straight shot of lemons, white peach and lime, vanilla and green apple form the core of this crisp, vibrant, bright, lemon-dominated wine. Drink from 2023-2032. 93-93

1,999 Views   Tasted
2021
89
Earthy red fruits, cedar, spice and tobacco leaf nuances already express themselves in the nose and on the palate of this forward, charming, medium-bodied, fruit-filled wine. Classic and firm, this is perfect to enjoy with a nice, juicy steak in a bistro or cafe. Drink from 2024-2034.

Earthy red fruits, cedar, spice and tobacco leaf nuances already express themselves in the nose and on the palate of this forward, charming, medium-bodied, fruit-filled wine. Classic and firm, this is perfect to enjoy with a nice, juicy steak in a bistro or cafe. Drink from 2024-2034.

211 Views   Tasted
Medium-bodied, juicy, sweet and fresh, the wine is forward, round, soft and fruity, making it perfect for early drinking pleasure. Drink from 2023-2031. 87-89

Medium-bodied, juicy, sweet and fresh, the wine is forward, round, soft and fruity, making it perfect for early drinking pleasure. Drink from 2023-2031. 87-89

2,547 Views   Tasted
2020
97
The first vintage made in their brand new, state-of-the-art cellars pops with its showy display of peppery spices, mint, cigar box, cassis, blackberries, cedar, and creme de cassis. The wine is full-bodied, fresh, long, deep, intense, powerful and chewy, leaving you with an ocean of sweet, ripe, pure cassis to chew on. This refined styled vintage of Lynch Bages will age for decades. Drink from 2027-2060.

The first vintage made in their brand new, state-of-the-art cellars pops with its showy display of peppery spices, mint, cigar box, cassis, blackberries, cedar, and creme de cassis. The wine is full-bodied, fresh, long, deep, intense, powerful and chewy, leaving you with an ocean of sweet, ripe, pure cassis to chew on. This refined styled vintage of Lynch Bages will age for decades. Drink from 2027-2060.

5,100 Views   Tasted
The first vintage made in their brand new, state-of-the-art cellars is deep garnet in color. The wine rapidly opens with notes of Cuban cigars, cedar, creme de cassis, flowers and forest leaf aromas. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied, soft, round and fresh. The elegant tannins allow the wine to gently unfurl, revealing its sweet red currants, kirsch liqueur and creamy-textured, rich finish. This refined styled vintage of Lynch Bages blends 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot and 4% Cabernet Franc, 13.4% ABV. The yields were only 33 hectoliters per hectare. Something else, 2020 Lynch Bages will sport a one-time-only change to the label commemorating their new cellar. 95-97 Pts

The first vintage made in their brand new, state-of-the-art cellars is deep garnet in color. The wine rapidly opens with notes of Cuban cigars, cedar, creme de cassis, flowers and forest leaf aromas. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied, soft, round and fresh. The elegant tannins allow the wine to gently unfurl, revealing its sweet red currants, kirsch liqueur and creamy-textured, rich finish. This refined styled vintage of Lynch Bages blends 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot and 4% Cabernet Franc, 13.4% ABV. The yields were only 33 hectoliters per hectare. Something else, 2020 Lynch Bages will sport a one-time-only change to the label commemorating their new cellar. 95-97 Pts

6,710 Views   Tasted
2020
92
Vibrant, fresh and packed with ripe, yellow citrus fruits, flowers, honeysuckle and white peach, this is perfect for near-term, lively tasting. Drink from 2023-2030.

Vibrant, fresh and packed with ripe, yellow citrus fruits, flowers, honeysuckle and white peach, this is perfect for near-term, lively tasting. Drink from 2023-2030.

1,961 Views   Tasted
2020
91
Medium-bodied, forward, elegant, fresh, vibrant, floral and sweet, with layers of soft, inviting, ripe, red currants with a touch of tobacco leaf and spice. This is already a treat in your glass. Drink from 2023-2032.

Medium-bodied, forward, elegant, fresh, vibrant, floral and sweet, with layers of soft, inviting, ripe, red currants with a touch of tobacco leaf and spice. This is already a treat in your glass. Drink from 2023-2032.

2,091 Views   Tasted
2019
98
Even better in the bottle than it was in barrel, clearly, the 2019 is in contention for the best vintage of Lynch Bages ever produced! And that is really saying something considering all the fabulous wines that have come from the property over the last several decades. Almost opaque in color, the wine explodes from the glass with black currants, espresso, blackberries, wet earth, tobacco leaf, forest floor, and cedar. As if that wasn't enough for your senses, your palate is coated with layers of perfectly ripe, rich, dense, dark, red fruits, touches of spice, plums, blueberries, licorice, espresso, and a tiny touch of dark chocolate on the backend. This is intense, concentrated, long and expansive, and importantly, a great candidate for long aging. Drink from 2030-2065.

Even better in the bottle than it was in barrel, clearly, the 2019 is in contention for the best vintage of Lynch Bages ever produced! And that is really saying something considering all the fabulous wines that have come from the property over the last several decades. Almost opaque in color, the wine explodes from the glass with black currants, espresso, blackberries, wet earth, tobacco leaf, forest floor, and cedar. As if that wasn't enough for your senses, your palate is coated with layers of perfectly ripe, rich, dense, dark, red fruits, touches of spice, plums, blueberries, licorice, espresso, and a tiny touch of dark chocolate on the backend. This is intense, concentrated, long and expansive, and importantly, a great candidate for long aging. Drink from 2030-2065.

11,462 Views   Tasted
Inky in color, with purple around the edges, the nose grabs you with its showy perfume of peppery black fruits, cassis, forest floor, mushroom, cedar, and cigar wrapper. Concentrated, full-bodied and mouth-filling, the wine hits every pocket of your palate. The ripe, soft, vibrant fruits come in layers. The berries are dark black and energetic. There is a touch of dust in the endnote with more of those juicy, sweet, seemingly never-ending black fruits. This hangs with the best vintages ever produced at Lynch Bages! 96-98 Pts

Inky in color, with purple around the edges, the nose grabs you with its showy perfume of peppery black fruits, cassis, forest floor, mushroom, cedar, and cigar wrapper. Concentrated, full-bodied and mouth-filling, the wine hits every pocket of your palate. The ripe, soft, vibrant fruits come in layers. The berries are dark black and energetic. There is a touch of dust in the endnote with more of those juicy, sweet, seemingly never-ending black fruits. This hangs with the best vintages ever produced at Lynch Bages! 96-98 Pts

16,119 Views   Tasted
2018
97
Deep and dark in color, the wine exudes crème de cassis, blackberry, black cherry liqueur, BBQ smoke, Cuban cigars and a background note of roses. On the palate, you find richness, round, juicy, multi-layered essences of rocks, stones, earth and lusciously textured, ripe, succulent fruits. The wine liberally coats your palate with layer after layer of sweet berries that hang with you for at least 50 seconds. With a decade of aging this will clearly be one of the top vintages of Lynch Bages ever produced! And considering their crack record, that is really saying something. The wine blends 72% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petit Verdot, 14.1 ABV.

Deep and dark in color, the wine exudes crème de cassis, blackberry, black cherry liqueur, BBQ smoke, Cuban cigars and a background note of roses. On the palate, you find richness, round, juicy, multi-layered essences of rocks, stones, earth and lusciously textured, ripe, succulent fruits. The wine liberally coats your palate with layer after layer of sweet berries that hang with you for at least 50 seconds. With a decade of aging this will clearly be one of the top vintages of Lynch Bages ever produced! And considering their crack record, that is really saying something. The wine blends 72% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petit Verdot, 14.1 ABV.

7,630 Views   Tasted
Blue-black with purple accents, the pure crème de cassis aromas stand out easily. This wine combines power with layers of ready, succulent, dark penetrating fruits. Even though this is probably the densest Lynch Bages I recall tasting, the unique vintage character keeps the wine light on its feet. All this strength and purity is wrapped up nicely with ripe tannins and a long finish. Clearly, 2018 is a contender for the best vintage of Lynch Bages ever produced -- and with their string of hits, that's a real statement! Produced from 72% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petit Verdot, the wine reached 14.1% ABV. The picking took place September 18 to October 9 and 65% of the harvest was used to produce the Grand Vin. 96-98 Pts

Blue-black with purple accents, the pure crème de cassis aromas stand out easily. This wine combines power with layers of ready, succulent, dark penetrating fruits. Even though this is probably the densest Lynch Bages I recall tasting, the unique vintage character keeps the wine light on its feet. All this strength and purity is wrapped up nicely with ripe tannins and a long finish. Clearly, 2018 is a contender for the best vintage of Lynch Bages ever produced -- and with their string of hits, that's a real statement! Produced from 72% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petit Verdot, the wine reached 14.1% ABV. The picking took place September 18 to October 9 and 65% of the harvest was used to produce the Grand Vin. 96-98 Pts

18,596 Views   Tasted
2018
93
Just picked honeysuckle, orange rind, Granny Smith apples and vanilla are a treat to smell. Packed with citrus on the palate, the lemon chiffon finish is perfect for current drinking. The wine is a blend of 59% Sauvignon Blanc, 21% Semillon, and 20% Muscadelle.

Just picked honeysuckle, orange rind, Granny Smith apples and vanilla are a treat to smell. Packed with citrus on the palate, the lemon chiffon finish is perfect for current drinking. The wine is a blend of 59% Sauvignon Blanc, 21% Semillon, and 20% Muscadelle.

2,829 Views   Tasted
2017
94
A super effort for the vintage, the vintage, the wine offers ample concentration, round, ripe tannins and big, juicy bite of sweet, fresh Cabernet grapes. Classic in style, with a nice dusty complexity in the texture in the finish, if you can hold off for 7-9 years, this is going to pay big dividends.

A super effort for the vintage, the vintage, the wine offers ample concentration, round, ripe tannins and big, juicy bite of sweet, fresh Cabernet grapes. Classic in style, with a nice dusty complexity in the texture in the finish, if you can hold off for 7-9 years, this is going to pay big dividends.

7,901 Views   Tasted
Dark in color, the wine jumps with fresh, cassis aromatics tinged by tobacco, earth, smoke and a touch of vanilla. Crunchy, crisp and showing sweetness and peppery tannins, this full bodied, concentrated wine will need at least a decade before it hits it hits its stride. This is a very strong vintage for Lynch Bages and could become much better as it softens and develops. Produced from 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot, reaching 13.2% ABV with a pH of 3.72. The Grand Vin was made from 65% of the harvest.

Dark in color, the wine jumps with fresh, cassis aromatics tinged by tobacco, earth, smoke and a touch of vanilla. Crunchy, crisp and showing sweetness and peppery tannins, this full bodied, concentrated wine will need at least a decade before it hits it hits its stride. This is a very strong vintage for Lynch Bages and could become much better as it softens and develops. Produced from 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot, reaching 13.2% ABV with a pH of 3.72. The Grand Vin was made from 65% of the harvest.

12,977 Views   Tasted
2017
93
Vanilla, citrus, lime and green apple create a fresh, bright, citrus-filled package. Vibrant pomelo sticks with you through the refreshing finish.

Vanilla, citrus, lime and green apple create a fresh, bright, citrus-filled package. Vibrant pomelo sticks with you through the refreshing finish.

3,494 Views   Tasted
2017
90
Medium/full bodied splash of juicy, cassis made even better with cedar and tobacco notes. There is depth on the mid palate and a juicy, dark currant finish. This is perfect to drink while waiting for its big brother Chateau Lynch Bages to come around.

Medium/full bodied splash of juicy, cassis made even better with cedar and tobacco notes. There is depth on the mid palate and a juicy, dark currant finish. This is perfect to drink while waiting for its big brother Chateau Lynch Bages to come around.

4,453 Views   Tasted
2016
97
With a nose of cedar, cigar box, tobacco leaf, smoke, red fruits and spicy aromas create the complex aromatics. Pour the wine into your glass and it only takes a single sip to know this is a stunner. The wall of juicy, ripe, sweet red fruits never quits. The wine is powerful, stoic, refined and generous. If you are a Lynch Bages fan, you need this in your cellar. Lay this down for 12-15 years and enjoy it over the next 30 years or more!.

With a nose of cedar, cigar box, tobacco leaf, smoke, red fruits and spicy aromas create the complex aromatics. Pour the wine into your glass and it only takes a single sip to know this is a stunner. The wall of juicy, ripe, sweet red fruits never quits. The wine is powerful, stoic, refined and generous. If you are a Lynch Bages fan, you need this in your cellar. Lay this down for 12-15 years and enjoy it over the next 30 years or more!.

10,009 Views   Tasted
The wall of powerful fruit and tannin is intense. Layers of fresh, crisp, ripe, red fruit just doesn't quit. Rich, concentrated and focused, with a mouth-feel that leaves an impression, this should age without fear for at least 40 years.

The wall of powerful fruit and tannin is intense. Layers of fresh, crisp, ripe, red fruit just doesn't quit. Rich, concentrated and focused, with a mouth-feel that leaves an impression, this should age without fear for at least 40 years.

9,409 Views   Tasted
Intensity, concentration, character and length combine perfectly. In fact, everything here is in perfect proportion. The tobacco, smoke, wet earth, lead pencil and mocha nuances add to the ripe, sweet, dark red, earthy fruits. There is energy in the long, mouth-filling finish.

Intensity, concentration, character and length combine perfectly. In fact, everything here is in perfect proportion. The tobacco, smoke, wet earth, lead pencil and mocha nuances add to the ripe, sweet, dark red, earthy fruits. There is energy in the long, mouth-filling finish.

12,550 Views   Tasted
Powerful, concentrated and long and with depth of flavor, this wine is rich and fat, like someone wearing a gold Rolex and a diamond pinkie ring. There is a refined, stern, masculine quality to the fruit with a finish that lasts and sustains the layers of fresh, sweet black currants. This is probably the best Lynch Bages since 1989/1990. Produced from 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot, this wine is aging in 75% new French oak barrels. Reaching 13.4% ABV with a pH of 3.69, the picking took place September 28 to October 12 and the Grand Vin represents 65% of the harvest.

Powerful, concentrated and long and with depth of flavor, this wine is rich and fat, like someone wearing a gold Rolex and a diamond pinkie ring. There is a refined, stern, masculine quality to the fruit with a finish that lasts and sustains the layers of fresh, sweet black currants. This is probably the best Lynch Bages since 1989/1990. Produced from 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot, this wine is aging in 75% new French oak barrels. Reaching 13.4% ABV with a pH of 3.69, the picking took place September 28 to October 12 and the Grand Vin represents 65% of the harvest.

23,135 Views   Tasted
2016
92
Crisp, fresh, citrus, flowers, lime and green apple notes, with a round, sweet, appealing, crunchy, yellow citrus finish are what you'll find here.

Crisp, fresh, citrus, flowers, lime and green apple notes, with a round, sweet, appealing, crunchy, yellow citrus finish are what you'll find here.

2,689 Views   Tasted
2015
95
Dark in color, the wine is powerful, deep, dark, concentrated and full bodied. The palate enjoys layers of fruits that are concentrated, long, fresh and vibrant. There is a great, crisp, crunchy quality to the fruits.. This will require at least a decade of age before it really starts to show its all.

Dark in color, the wine is powerful, deep, dark, concentrated and full bodied. The palate enjoys layers of fruits that are concentrated, long, fresh and vibrant. There is a great, crisp, crunchy quality to the fruits.. This will require at least a decade of age before it really starts to show its all.

6,617 Views   Tasted
Another 2015 that has really stepped up in quality after the aging, this is a winner! Full bodied, concentrated, long, fresh and vibrant, with a crunch and sweetness to the cassis and blackberry fruits, everything is tied together nicely with its accents of cedar, tobacco and forest nuances. Like all the top vintages of Lynch Bages, this will require at least a decade of age before it really starts to show its all.

Another 2015 that has really stepped up in quality after the aging, this is a winner! Full bodied, concentrated, long, fresh and vibrant, with a crunch and sweetness to the cassis and blackberry fruits, everything is tied together nicely with its accents of cedar, tobacco and forest nuances. Like all the top vintages of Lynch Bages, this will require at least a decade of age before it really starts to show its all.

5,083 Views   Tasted
Hitting the top of my range, or even higher will be easy for this wine. Full bodied, concentrated, tannic, fresh and deep, with a lot of character, the wine will require at least a decade to come around.

Hitting the top of my range, or even higher will be easy for this wine. Full bodied, concentrated, tannic, fresh and deep, with a lot of character, the wine will require at least a decade to come around.

5,508 Views   Tasted
The nose is quick to present tobacco, moist forest floor, smoke and vanilla. With a deep ruby color, this wine is fresh with a core of cassis, black cherry, earth and a dollop of olive tapenade. The tannins are crisp and clean, leaving you with a gust of sweet cassis in the finish. Produced from 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot, this wine is aging in 75% new, French oak barrels, reaching 13.5% ABV with a pH of 3.62 92 - 94 Pts

The nose is quick to present tobacco, moist forest floor, smoke and vanilla. With a deep ruby color, this wine is fresh with a core of cassis, black cherry, earth and a dollop of olive tapenade. The tannins are crisp and clean, leaving you with a gust of sweet cassis in the finish. Produced from 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot, this wine is aging in 75% new, French oak barrels, reaching 13.5% ABV with a pH of 3.62 92 - 94 Pts

6,320 Views   Tasted
2014
93
Produced from 69% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot, this classically styled Pauillac has bite, lift, fruit, tobacco, cassis and all the tannin and structure needed to age for decades.

Produced from 69% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot, this classically styled Pauillac has bite, lift, fruit, tobacco, cassis and all the tannin and structure needed to age for decades.

9,645 Views   Tasted
Produced from 69% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot, this classically styled Pauillac has bite, lift, fruit, tobacco, cassis and all the tannin and structure needed to age for decades.

Produced from 69% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot, this classically styled Pauillac has bite, lift, fruit, tobacco, cassis and all the tannin and structure needed to age for decades.

8,411 Views   Tasted
If you are looking for a classic Pauillac that delivers lead pencil shavings, cedar and spicy cassis, you came to the right place. Exuberant, yet classic and reserved, there is plenty of ripe, round tannins and ample raw material, to make sure this should age quite nicely.

If you are looking for a classic Pauillac that delivers lead pencil shavings, cedar and spicy cassis, you came to the right place. Exuberant, yet classic and reserved, there is plenty of ripe, round tannins and ample raw material, to make sure this should age quite nicely.

8,489 Views   Tasted
Deep ruby in color with cassis, earth and blackberry in the nose which pops effortlessly. This wine is a full-bodied, ripe, concentrated mouth-filler loaded with sweet, black fruits, ripe, crisp tannins and a long, fresh, invigorating finish. Produced from 69% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot, this wine is aging in 75% new, French oak barrels, reaching 13.73% ABV, with a pH of 3.68. 92-94 Pts

Deep ruby in color with cassis, earth and blackberry in the nose which pops effortlessly. This wine is a full-bodied, ripe, concentrated mouth-filler loaded with sweet, black fruits, ripe, crisp tannins and a long, fresh, invigorating finish. Produced from 69% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot, this wine is aging in 75% new, French oak barrels, reaching 13.73% ABV, with a pH of 3.68. 92-94 Pts

9,510 Views   Tasted
2014
89
Fresh and lively with a uplifting mist of grapefruit, honeydew and orange, this wine has a sweet, honey-coated note and a soft, yellow, citrus finish. 52% Sauvignon Blanc, 28% Semillon, and 20% Muscadelle. 89 Pts

Fresh and lively with a uplifting mist of grapefruit, honeydew and orange, this wine has a sweet, honey-coated note and a soft, yellow, citrus finish. 52% Sauvignon Blanc, 28% Semillon, and 20% Muscadelle. 89 Pts

2,097 Views   Tasted
2013
88
With a nose of fresh cassis, thyme, cedar wood and earthy scents, this medium bodied wine is forward, with a tangy, bright, spicy, red plum and cassis note in the finish.

With a nose of fresh cassis, thyme, cedar wood and earthy scents, this medium bodied wine is forward, with a tangy, bright, spicy, red plum and cassis note in the finish.

5,238 Views   Tasted
Ruby red in color with coaxing aromas of cassis, cedar and stone, this straightforward wine has crisp, crunchy cassis notes and an easy-to-drink finish. This should drink well young. From a blend of 72% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot. The ABV reached 13% and will be aged in 75% new French oak barrels. The yields were a low 31 hectoliters per hectare. 64% of the crop was used in the Grand Vin. 90-91 Pts

Ruby red in color with coaxing aromas of cassis, cedar and stone, this straightforward wine has crisp, crunchy cassis notes and an easy-to-drink finish. This should drink well young. From a blend of 72% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot. The ABV reached 13% and will be aged in 75% new French oak barrels. The yields were a low 31 hectoliters per hectare. 64% of the crop was used in the Grand Vin. 90-91 Pts

4,823 Views   Tasted
2013
90
The showy perfume pops with melon, flowers, cantaloupe and grapefruit, seguing into a bright wine that’s light in color and filled with fresh citrus. Drink this medium-bodied wine young. 90 Pts

The showy perfume pops with melon, flowers, cantaloupe and grapefruit, seguing into a bright wine that’s light in color and filled with fresh citrus. Drink this medium-bodied wine young. 90 Pts

2,754 Views   Tasted
2012
90
Tannic, firm, medium/full bodied, fresh, crisp fruits need time to develop and come together. The wine finishes with a fresh, blackberry and cassis note.

Tannic, firm, medium/full bodied, fresh, crisp fruits need time to develop and come together. The wine finishes with a fresh, blackberry and cassis note.

4,528 Views   Tasted
71% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot created a wine that will be aged in 75% new French oak. It took some effort to find the cedar, cassis, coffee and earthy notes. The ample tannins are refined, ending with spicy creme de cassis sensations. This will take time to soften. 90-93 Pts

71% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot created a wine that will be aged in 75% new French oak. It took some effort to find the cedar, cassis, coffee and earthy notes. The ample tannins are refined, ending with spicy creme de cassis sensations. This will take time to soften. 90-93 Pts

6,603 Views   Tasted
2012
91
From a blend of 60% Sauvignon Blanc, 27% Semillon and 13% Muscadelle, the wine will be aged in 50% new French oak. Honeydew melon, lychee nut, lemon peel and orange scents pop with no effort. Zesty, bright and fresh, the wine ends with invigorating citrus, pineapple and lemon zest. 90-92 Pts

From a blend of 60% Sauvignon Blanc, 27% Semillon and 13% Muscadelle, the wine will be aged in 50% new French oak. Honeydew melon, lychee nut, lemon peel and orange scents pop with no effort. Zesty, bright and fresh, the wine ends with invigorating citrus, pineapple and lemon zest. 90-92 Pts

3,077 Views   Tasted
2011
90
Tight, the wine needed coaxing to develop its cassis, tobacco, earth, cedar and tobacco nose. Medium/full bodied, the tannins are a bit dry on the palate. there is a good sense of crispness in the cassis, blackberry and cranberry finish. This will be better after a few years in the cellar.

Tight, the wine needed coaxing to develop its cassis, tobacco, earth, cedar and tobacco nose. Medium/full bodied, the tannins are a bit dry on the palate. there is a good sense of crispness in the cassis, blackberry and cranberry finish. This will be better after a few years in the cellar.

5,864 Views   Tasted
72% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot are found in the blend, which reached 13.2% ABV and will be aged in 75% new oak. Yields were 45 hectoliters per hectare. Deep in color with a perfumed filled with coffee, blackberry, chocolate and tobacco, there are ample fresh and bright cassis flavors found in the finish. 91-93 Pts

72% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot are found in the blend, which reached 13.2% ABV and will be aged in 75% new oak. Yields were 45 hectoliters per hectare. Deep in color with a perfumed filled with coffee, blackberry, chocolate and tobacco, there are ample fresh and bright cassis flavors found in the finish. 91-93 Pts

6,062 Views   Tasted
2011
92
Blending 65% Sauvignon Blanc, 12% Semillon and 22% Muscadelle, the wine opens with grapefruit, honeydew melon and spice, finishing with a long, fresh, clean, bright, wave of lemon, citrus and lychee nut. 91-93 Pts

Blending 65% Sauvignon Blanc, 12% Semillon and 22% Muscadelle, the wine opens with grapefruit, honeydew melon and spice, finishing with a long, fresh, clean, bright, wave of lemon, citrus and lychee nut. 91-93 Pts

3,213 Views   Tasted
2011
85
47% Cabernet Sauvignon, 41% Merlot and 12% Cabernet Franc make up the blend. Coffee, blackberry and cassis with a fresh, slightly green, drying finish. 84-87 Pts

47% Cabernet Sauvignon, 41% Merlot and 12% Cabernet Franc make up the blend. Coffee, blackberry and cassis with a fresh, slightly green, drying finish. 84-87 Pts

6,317 Views   Tasted
2010
95
Just an infant in its development, the wine is all about its potential. Powerful, full-bodied, concentrated and quite bright, fresh and tannic, the wine is not in a fun place to drink. The fruit is bright, lifted, fresh and firm, and there is a lot of it. But the structure and tannins are so front and center today that it demands at least a decade of aging before becoming civilized. For classic Pauillac fans, this is going to be worth the wait. But patience is warranted.

Just an infant in its development, the wine is all about its potential. Powerful, full-bodied, concentrated and quite bright, fresh and tannic, the wine is not in a fun place to drink. The fruit is bright, lifted, fresh and firm, and there is a lot of it. But the structure and tannins are so front and center today that it demands at least a decade of aging before becoming civilized. For classic Pauillac fans, this is going to be worth the wait. But patience is warranted.

11,348 Views   Tasted
Dark ruby in color, blackberry, mint, cedar, smoke, jam and earthy scents took some effort to find, as the wine is beginning to close down. Powerful, full bodied, tannic, dense, the wine is packed with fresh, crisp, spicy cassis berries. The wine is long, deep, fresh and polished, with a lot of tannin and structure to the wine. Consumers will need to exercise patience, as this will demand at least 10 or more years before it’s fun to drink.

Dark ruby in color, blackberry, mint, cedar, smoke, jam and earthy scents took some effort to find, as the wine is beginning to close down. Powerful, full bodied, tannic, dense, the wine is packed with fresh, crisp, spicy cassis berries. The wine is long, deep, fresh and polished, with a lot of tannin and structure to the wine. Consumers will need to exercise patience, as this will demand at least 10 or more years before it’s fun to drink.

11,158 Views   Tasted
2010 Lynch Bages is a deep, powerful, tannic, concentrated wine with a dark, ruby color. Creme de cassis, blackberry jam, flowers and earthy scents fill the perfume. In the mouth, this big, full bodied, powerful, rich, intense, tannic wine will require 15-20 years before becoming civilized and revealing all its charms. From a blend of 79% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc and 1% Cabernet Franc this Bordeaux wine makes a good contrast in style to the more opulent 2009 Lynch Bages. 94-95 Pts

2010 Lynch Bages is a deep, powerful, tannic, concentrated wine with a dark, ruby color. Creme de cassis, blackberry jam, flowers and earthy scents fill the perfume. In the mouth, this big, full bodied, powerful, rich, intense, tannic wine will require 15-20 years before becoming civilized and revealing all its charms. From a blend of 79% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc and 1% Cabernet Franc this Bordeaux wine makes a good contrast in style to the more opulent 2009 Lynch Bages. 94-95 Pts

12,592 Views   Tasted
2010 Lynch Bages 79% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc and 1% Cabernet Franc made up the blend for 2010. Visually, the wine sports a deep ruby color. It’s big, fat and concentrated, sweet ripe, blackberries and cassis. This is a masculine, powerful, structured vintage for Lynch Bages. The tannins are ripe, but this wine will require serious aging before becoming civilized. The wine ends with a blast of ripe, chewy cabernet fruit. Yields were close to 10% less across the board than in 2009 at 50 hectoliters per hectare. 94-95 Pts

2010 Lynch Bages 79% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc and 1% Cabernet Franc made up the blend for 2010. Visually, the wine sports a deep ruby color. It’s big, fat and concentrated, sweet ripe, blackberries and cassis. This is a masculine, powerful, structured vintage for Lynch Bages. The tannins are ripe, but this wine will require serious aging before becoming civilized. The wine ends with a blast of ripe, chewy cabernet fruit. Yields were close to 10% less across the board than in 2009 at 50 hectoliters per hectare. 94-95 Pts

11,877 Views   Tasted
2010
89
Fresh citrus, flowers, honeydew and pineapple notes resonate in the nose. The wine is fresh, fun and easy to like, with a lemon, dominated finish. 89 Pts

Fresh citrus, flowers, honeydew and pineapple notes resonate in the nose. The wine is fresh, fun and easy to like, with a lemon, dominated finish. 89 Pts

3,296 Views   Tasted
2010
87
Herbs forest, cedar and dark red fruits, forward in style, the wine ends with a nice wave of cassis and tannins.

Herbs forest, cedar and dark red fruits, forward in style, the wine ends with a nice wave of cassis and tannins.

4,728 Views   Tasted
2009
95
Surprisingly forward for Lynch Bages, as they are usually one of the last wines to open up. But 2009 already displays fabulous character with its layers of ripe, blackberries, black currants, lead pencil, cedar chest, and tobacco notes. Full-bodied, round, concentrated, and with a polish to its tannins, this is already starting to come around. Drink from 2023-2050.

Surprisingly forward for Lynch Bages, as they are usually one of the last wines to open up. But 2009 already displays fabulous character with its layers of ripe, blackberries, black currants, lead pencil, cedar chest, and tobacco notes. Full-bodied, round, concentrated, and with a polish to its tannins, this is already starting to come around. Drink from 2023-2050.

7,378 Views   Tasted
Still quite youthful, with a little effort in your swirling, you can find smoke, thyme, cigar box, tobacco, wet earth, spice, and red fruits. The wine is full-bodied, concentrated, sweet, powerful and yes, luscious. There is energy and density with length and freshness. Clearly not at its peak, for that you will need to wait. If you like young wines, this is worth popping a cork now. The wine is made from a blend of 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot and 2% Cabernet Franc.

Still quite youthful, with a little effort in your swirling, you can find smoke, thyme, cigar box, tobacco, wet earth, spice, and red fruits. The wine is full-bodied, concentrated, sweet, powerful and yes, luscious. There is energy and density with length and freshness. Clearly not at its peak, for that you will need to wait. If you like young wines, this is worth popping a cork now. The wine is made from a blend of 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot and 2% Cabernet Franc.

8,425 Views   Tasted
Blending 76% Cabernet Sauvignon with 18% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot, produced a powerful, concentrated Pauillac with great depth of flavor. Layers of fresh blackberry, coffee, tobacco, cassis, pepper, black cherry and gravel made up the inviting perfume. Fresh, ripe, exuberant and lusty, this stylish wine has it all going on. This vintage competes with any Lynch Bages produced following the dynamic duo of 1989 and 1990.

Blending 76% Cabernet Sauvignon with 18% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot, produced a powerful, concentrated Pauillac with great depth of flavor. Layers of fresh blackberry, coffee, tobacco, cassis, pepper, black cherry and gravel made up the inviting perfume. Fresh, ripe, exuberant and lusty, this stylish wine has it all going on. This vintage competes with any Lynch Bages produced following the dynamic duo of 1989 and 1990.

18,898 Views   Tasted
Deep ruby in color with a spicy cassis, tobacco and blackberry jam perfume. This rich, powerful, sweet, opulent wine is palate staining and fresh ending with a long finish that lingers on your palate for over 45 seconds! This is my favorite vintage of Lynch Bages since the dynamic duo of 1989 and 1990!

Deep ruby in color with a spicy cassis, tobacco and blackberry jam perfume. This rich, powerful, sweet, opulent wine is palate staining and fresh ending with a long finish that lingers on your palate for over 45 seconds! This is my favorite vintage of Lynch Bages since the dynamic duo of 1989 and 1990!

13,816 Views   Tasted
2009 Lynch Bages is deep ruby. Powerful aromatics of dark raspberry, cassis, cedar, smoke, and jammy berries emerge. This exciting style of Lynch Bages shows round tannins and an ample concentration of flavor. The wine ends with a juicy mouth full of licorice and dark berries. 95/97 Pts

2009 Lynch Bages is deep ruby. Powerful aromatics of dark raspberry, cassis, cedar, smoke, and jammy berries emerge. This exciting style of Lynch Bages shows round tannins and an ample concentration of flavor. The wine ends with a juicy mouth full of licorice and dark berries. 95/97 Pts

15,666 Views   Tasted
2008
93
Crunchy red fruits, spice box, leaf, tobacco, cassis, peppery herbs and cranberry crowd the entrance here. There is weight, freshness and a bite to the crisp red fruits. Very classic in style, this could use another 7-9 years in the bottle before it shows its best.

Crunchy red fruits, spice box, leaf, tobacco, cassis, peppery herbs and cranberry crowd the entrance here. There is weight, freshness and a bite to the crisp red fruits. Very classic in style, this could use another 7-9 years in the bottle before it shows its best.

5,709 Views   Tasted
Still quite young, this is a classic, long aging vintage for Lynch Bages. The tannins are strict, the fruit is fresh, there is volume and length with a finish that's all about the bright, spicy, high pitched, peppery cassis.

Still quite young, this is a classic, long aging vintage for Lynch Bages. The tannins are strict, the fruit is fresh, there is volume and length with a finish that's all about the bright, spicy, high pitched, peppery cassis.

5,521 Views   Tasted
Opens with cassis, tobacco, cedar, oak, earth and herbs, this full bodied, concentrated, chewy wine, ends with a big, cassis filled finish.

Opens with cassis, tobacco, cedar, oak, earth and herbs, this full bodied, concentrated, chewy wine, ends with a big, cassis filled finish.

14,812 Views   Tasted
2008 Lynch Bages starts with cassis, fudge earth, fennel and forest floor aromas. Full bodied and loaded with ripe tannins and berries this is the best Lynch Bages since the outstanding 2000. 93 Pts

2008 Lynch Bages starts with cassis, fudge earth, fennel and forest floor aromas. Full bodied and loaded with ripe tannins and berries this is the best Lynch Bages since the outstanding 2000. 93 Pts

8,893 Views   Tasted
08 Château Lynch Bages showed deep ruby with purple tints. Jammy berries, oak, and cassis in the nose. On the palate, the wine showed good concentration, freshness, and ripe character, finishing with hints of boysenberry. Some dryness was detected in the finish. This is a better effort than their 2005. Starting in 2008, the Chateau announced they were changing the name of their second wine to Echo. The reason for the change to Echo from Haut Bages Averous was a practical one, according to Jean-Charles Cazes. When asked why the change, with a smile and a knowing look he said, “It’s much easier to pronounce”. He was right. 91-93 Pts

08 Château Lynch Bages showed deep ruby with purple tints. Jammy berries, oak, and cassis in the nose. On the palate, the wine showed good concentration, freshness, and ripe character, finishing with hints of boysenberry. Some dryness was detected in the finish. This is a better effort than their 2005. Starting in 2008, the Chateau announced they were changing the name of their second wine to Echo. The reason for the change to Echo from Haut Bages Averous was a practical one, according to Jean-Charles Cazes. When asked why the change, with a smile and a knowing look he said, “It’s much easier to pronounce”. He was right. 91-93 Pts

9,164 Views   Tasted
2007
87
Forest floor, wet earth, mushroom, cassis, cedar and red fruits are the main component of this fully developed wine. Medium bodied, and just about ready to gently begin to slowly fade. To enjoy most of the fruit and freshness, the wine requires drinking sooner than later.

Forest floor, wet earth, mushroom, cassis, cedar and red fruits are the main component of this fully developed wine. Medium bodied, and just about ready to gently begin to slowly fade. To enjoy most of the fruit and freshness, the wine requires drinking sooner than later.

5,580 Views   Tasted
Forest floor, wet earth, mushroom, cassis, cedar and red fruits are the main component of this fully developed wine. Medium bodied, and just about ready to fade, the wine requires drinking sooner than later.

Forest floor, wet earth, mushroom, cassis, cedar and red fruits are the main component of this fully developed wine. Medium bodied, and just about ready to fade, the wine requires drinking sooner than later.

5,472 Views   Tasted
2006
92
Forest floor, mushroom, cassis, cedar wood and cigar box aromas typic of Pauillac are easy to find. The wine is developing on the right path, with plenty of spicy, fresh, peppery, red fruits, ripe tannins and crisp, juicy cassis in the finish. That being said, the wine still needs more time in the cellar. Give it another 5-8 years of rest before it really unveils its charms.

Forest floor, mushroom, cassis, cedar wood and cigar box aromas typic of Pauillac are easy to find. The wine is developing on the right path, with plenty of spicy, fresh, peppery, red fruits, ripe tannins and crisp, juicy cassis in the finish. That being said, the wine still needs more time in the cellar. Give it another 5-8 years of rest before it really unveils its charms.

7,193 Views   Tasted
Cedar, cassis, cigar box and cherry pipe tobacco aromas are present without much effort. Full bodied, concentrated and filled with dense, Cabernet Sauvignon fruit, this powerful masculine, tannic wine requires another 5 years before entering prime time drinking.

Cedar, cassis, cigar box and cherry pipe tobacco aromas are present without much effort. Full bodied, concentrated and filled with dense, Cabernet Sauvignon fruit, this powerful masculine, tannic wine requires another 5 years before entering prime time drinking.

15,162 Views   Tasted
2005
93
Tight, firm, reserved, strict and tannic, the wine remains quite youthful at this stage. Clearly there is a wealth of ripe fruit here, but the tannins need at least a decade to soften before this is fun to drink.

Tight, firm, reserved, strict and tannic, the wine remains quite youthful at this stage. Clearly there is a wealth of ripe fruit here, but the tannins need at least a decade to soften before this is fun to drink.

8,577 Views   Tasted
Cigar box, tobacco, cassis and cedar notes are the first thing you notice. Ripe tannins and freshness, with good volume, richness and depth, which is still quite young. Give this at least a few hours of air, or let it age for another 8-10 years.

Cigar box, tobacco, cassis and cedar notes are the first thing you notice. Ripe tannins and freshness, with good volume, richness and depth, which is still quite young. Give this at least a few hours of air, or let it age for another 8-10 years.

7,743 Views   Tasted
Tight, tannic and not showing its complete array of charm and complexity, this is not a lot of fun to drink today. I'd wait at least a decade before popping a bottle.

Tight, tannic and not showing its complete array of charm and complexity, this is not a lot of fun to drink today. I'd wait at least a decade before popping a bottle.

11,197 Views   Tasted
This is lighter, brighter, softer and more approachable than I expected, considering the vintage. The wine offers notes of cassis, cedar, tobacco and forest floor, finishing with cassis and blackberry flavors. For Lynch Bages, this wine should drink well younger than many top vintages.

This is lighter, brighter, softer and more approachable than I expected, considering the vintage. The wine offers notes of cassis, cedar, tobacco and forest floor, finishing with cassis and blackberry flavors. For Lynch Bages, this wine should drink well younger than many top vintages.

8,603 Views   Tasted
2004
90
Garnet in color, cigar box, tobacco, wet forest floor and stone aromas open to an accessible, soft, friendly, cassis filled wine that is ready to drink and offers a lot of pleasure and Pauillac character.

Garnet in color, cigar box, tobacco, wet forest floor and stone aromas open to an accessible, soft, friendly, cassis filled wine that is ready to drink and offers a lot of pleasure and Pauillac character.

6,647 Views   Tasted
This wine is on a rapid course for maturity as it already offers tobacco, earth, cedar and pencil aromas along with its cassis blackberry fruit. Medium bodied, with some green to the tannins, there is a bit of rusticity in the bright, almost crisp, cassis and cranberry finish. Produced from a blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot, this is a light, early maturing vintage for this normally long lived Pauillac wine.

This wine is on a rapid course for maturity as it already offers tobacco, earth, cedar and pencil aromas along with its cassis blackberry fruit. Medium bodied, with some green to the tannins, there is a bit of rusticity in the bright, almost crisp, cassis and cranberry finish. Produced from a blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot, this is a light, early maturing vintage for this normally long lived Pauillac wine.

7,093 Views   Tasted
2003
93
Forest floor, cedar wood, fennel, smoke and cherry liqueur scents start off the concentration of flavor, supple, round tannins and a sweet, finish filled with ripe cherries and crème de cassis. This has certainly improved over the past few years.

Forest floor, cedar wood, fennel, smoke and cherry liqueur scents start off the concentration of flavor, supple, round tannins and a sweet, finish filled with ripe cherries and crème de cassis. This has certainly improved over the past few years.

5,973 Views   Tasted
Lighter in color and concentration than I expect from this historic Pauillac Chateau. This will probably drink well early for a Lynch Bages

Lighter in color and concentration than I expect from this historic Pauillac Chateau. This will probably drink well early for a Lynch Bages

4,557 Views   Tasted
2002
88
Light in color and concentration with some dryness to the tannins, this rapidly maturing, lean wine ends with red berries, cassis and green notes in the short finish. Drink or sell.

Light in color and concentration with some dryness to the tannins, this rapidly maturing, lean wine ends with red berries, cassis and green notes in the short finish. Drink or sell.

7,610 Views   Tasted
2001
89
Medium bodied, crisp, crunchy, bright red fruits on the palate. More interesting on the tobacco and cassis nose. There is a tart quality that is starting to develop in the finish. This is probably not going to to get better.

Medium bodied, crisp, crunchy, bright red fruits on the palate. More interesting on the tobacco and cassis nose. There is a tart quality that is starting to develop in the finish. This is probably not going to to get better.

5,529 Views   Tasted
Elegant, medium bodied and refined for Lynch Bages, at 11 years of age, it's already mature. Wet earth, tobacco, cassis, cedar, forest aromas and soft textures are in abundance. There is no compelling reason to hold this wine for further aging.

Elegant, medium bodied and refined for Lynch Bages, at 11 years of age, it's already mature. Wet earth, tobacco, cassis, cedar, forest aromas and soft textures are in abundance. There is no compelling reason to hold this wine for further aging.

8,653 Views   Tasted
2000
94
Interestingly, more backward than the previous bottle tasted just 1 year ago, clearly, this is a very good, classic vintage for Lynch Bages. Concentrated, tannic, structured, strict, full-bodied, bright, fresh, and firm, with ample layers of ripe, black, and red currants, topped with tobacco leaf, herbs, forest leaf, and smoke, if you have less than a full case, give this at least 6 more years in the cellar before pulling a cork. Classic in style, this will be worth the wait.

Interestingly, more backward than the previous bottle tasted just 1 year ago, clearly, this is a very good, classic vintage for Lynch Bages. Concentrated, tannic, structured, strict, full-bodied, bright, fresh, and firm, with ample layers of ripe, black, and red currants, topped with tobacco leaf, herbs, forest leaf, and smoke, if you have less than a full case, give this at least 6 more years in the cellar before pulling a cork. Classic in style, this will be worth the wait.

8,950 Views   Tasted
This bottle was quite forward, which surprised me. With its nose of spearmint, cedar, tobacco, cigar box, and cassis, the full-bodied, concentrated, generous wine was balanced and easy to enjoy, even with its judicious tannic backbone. The bright, fresh, chewy, currant-filled finish kept on going. Another 3-5 years in the cellar and this should be fully ready to go.

This bottle was quite forward, which surprised me. With its nose of spearmint, cedar, tobacco, cigar box, and cassis, the full-bodied, concentrated, generous wine was balanced and easy to enjoy, even with its judicious tannic backbone. The bright, fresh, chewy, currant-filled finish kept on going. Another 3-5 years in the cellar and this should be fully ready to go.

8,572 Views   Tasted
Initially tight, unyielding and stiff, 4 hours of decanting changed everything. With air, you found a big, juicy, powerful gulp of cassis, helped along with cedar, tobacco, spicy red fruits and leafy notes. Full-bodied, concentrated, structured and youthful, another 5-8 years will add more softness to the tannins and allow the wine to continue filling out. The last few sips were fabulous. The wine is throwing a lot of sediment, so be careful when decanting.

Initially tight, unyielding and stiff, 4 hours of decanting changed everything. With air, you found a big, juicy, powerful gulp of cassis, helped along with cedar, tobacco, spicy red fruits and leafy notes. Full-bodied, concentrated, structured and youthful, another 5-8 years will add more softness to the tannins and allow the wine to continue filling out. The last few sips were fabulous. The wine is throwing a lot of sediment, so be careful when decanting.

9,932 Views   Tasted
Very elegant, polished, soft, full bodied, round and ripe style of Lynch Bages that reminds me of the 1990. it's young, but due to its style, it's already quite charming.

Very elegant, polished, soft, full bodied, round and ripe style of Lynch Bages that reminds me of the 1990. it's young, but due to its style, it's already quite charming.

11,539 Views   Tasted
Caramel, smoke, tobacco, cassis and stone aromas opened to a youthful, full bodied, concentrated, still tannic wine. The wine is fresh, rich and balanced. A few more years will add a lot of softenss and complexity to this cassis dominated wine.

Caramel, smoke, tobacco, cassis and stone aromas opened to a youthful, full bodied, concentrated, still tannic wine. The wine is fresh, rich and balanced. A few more years will add a lot of softenss and complexity to this cassis dominated wine.

15,947 Views   Tasted
Tight, currently this wine demands more time, if you can't wait, give it a few hours of air, and some serious efforts at swirling, else you'll miss the tobacco, spice, cedar wood, cassis and earthy nose. Powerful, full bodied and filled with layers of ripe, fresh, juicy Cabernet Sauvignon, the wine fills our mouth with flavor and ripe tannins. I'll try another bottle in 2015, but I imagine it will not kick into high gear until 2020. It's a good thing time flies.

Tight, currently this wine demands more time, if you can't wait, give it a few hours of air, and some serious efforts at swirling, else you'll miss the tobacco, spice, cedar wood, cassis and earthy nose. Powerful, full bodied and filled with layers of ripe, fresh, juicy Cabernet Sauvignon, the wine fills our mouth with flavor and ripe tannins. I'll try another bottle in 2015, but I imagine it will not kick into high gear until 2020. It's a good thing time flies.

17,753 Views   Tasted
My favorite post 1990 vintage of Lynch Bages, although the 2009 might end up being better, this deep colored wine offers smoke, truffle, cigar box, blackberry, spice and stone aromas. In the mouth, this wine is powerful, fresh and round. There is a wonderful sense of ripe, purity to the fruit. Still young, give it another 5-10 years to develop additional layers of complexity while it softens and becomes better integrated. This should age and evolve for decades.

My favorite post 1990 vintage of Lynch Bages, although the 2009 might end up being better, this deep colored wine offers smoke, truffle, cigar box, blackberry, spice and stone aromas. In the mouth, this wine is powerful, fresh and round. There is a wonderful sense of ripe, purity to the fruit. Still young, give it another 5-10 years to develop additional layers of complexity while it softens and becomes better integrated. This should age and evolve for decades.

19,844 Views   Tasted
Aromatics of cedar, herbs, cassis and ripe black fruits. Polished in style, with some tannin needing to be resolved, the wine ends with a rich, black and red fruit filled finish. Other bottles tasted have scored higher.

Aromatics of cedar, herbs, cassis and ripe black fruits. Polished in style, with some tannin needing to be resolved, the wine ends with a rich, black and red fruit filled finish. Other bottles tasted have scored higher.

14,841 Views   Tasted
Deeply colored with notes of cassis, leather and black fruit, the wine was already starting to show well. Very concentrated and full bodied. On the palate, the wine delivered a lush, powerful feeling, similar to the 90, but with more power. The finish was long, clean and pure. Tasting this made me happy knowing I had a case laid down in the cellar. 5-10 more years of bottle age will really add a lot to the wine. However, for Lynch Bages, this is very precocious and will deliver a lot of pleasure early in life.

Deeply colored with notes of cassis, leather and black fruit, the wine was already starting to show well. Very concentrated and full bodied. On the palate, the wine delivered a lush, powerful feeling, similar to the 90, but with more power. The finish was long, clean and pure. Tasting this made me happy knowing I had a case laid down in the cellar. 5-10 more years of bottle age will really add a lot to the wine. However, for Lynch Bages, this is very precocious and will deliver a lot of pleasure early in life.

11,608 Views   Tasted
This marries the levels of concentration found in the 89 with the supple tannins and plusher style found in the more approachable 90. Still incredibly young, this will grow up to be a stellar Pauillac. Boatloads of concentrated, juicy ripe fruit are found in every sip. This has all the right stuff to age and evolve into a great bottle of wine.

This marries the levels of concentration found in the 89 with the supple tannins and plusher style found in the more approachable 90. Still incredibly young, this will grow up to be a stellar Pauillac. Boatloads of concentrated, juicy ripe fruit are found in every sip. This has all the right stuff to age and evolve into a great bottle of wine.

11,569 Views   Tasted
1999
90
Medium bodied, lighter style of Lynch Bages, with a fruity, soft, vibrant, cassis, cherry and cranberry character. There is a really nice, spicy note, that adds even more freshness to the red berry finish. Drink this now, while waiting for the far better, 2000 vintage to develop. The wine was made from a blend of 72% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petit Verdot.

Medium bodied, lighter style of Lynch Bages, with a fruity, soft, vibrant, cassis, cherry and cranberry character. There is a really nice, spicy note, that adds even more freshness to the red berry finish. Drink this now, while waiting for the far better, 2000 vintage to develop. The wine was made from a blend of 72% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petit Verdot.

4,446 Views   Tasted
1998
88
Rustic, tannic and hard, with a firm, classic leaning to the cassis, tobacco and earthy character. Time will help a bit.

Rustic, tannic and hard, with a firm, classic leaning to the cassis, tobacco and earthy character. Time will help a bit.

4,756 Views   Tasted
1997
86
Medium bodied, lighter style of Lynch Bages, that was best in its fresh, lightly fruited youth. Early drinking wines can serve a youthful, even charming purpose, but that is when they are enjoyed young. 20 years was just far to long to age this bottle. The wine was produced from a blend of 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot.

Medium bodied, lighter style of Lynch Bages, that was best in its fresh, lightly fruited youth. Early drinking wines can serve a youthful, even charming purpose, but that is when they are enjoyed young. 20 years was just far to long to age this bottle. The wine was produced from a blend of 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot.

7,196 Views   Tasted
1996
94
Cedar, tobacco leaf, pepper, red currants are there for the taking on the nose. With an hour of air, the wine softens and develops more secondary nuances, finishing with a savory edge to the spicy red berries in the finish.

Cedar, tobacco leaf, pepper, red currants are there for the taking on the nose. With an hour of air, the wine softens and develops more secondary nuances, finishing with a savory edge to the spicy red berries in the finish.

5,566 Views   Tasted
This is classic Pauillac. The full-bodied, firm, concentrated wine offers cedar chest, cigar box and forest floor, with a touch of herbs that sets off the fresh, bright, red fruits perfectly. This is drinking in its sweet spot.

This is classic Pauillac. The full-bodied, firm, concentrated wine offers cedar chest, cigar box and forest floor, with a touch of herbs that sets off the fresh, bright, red fruits perfectly. This is drinking in its sweet spot.

6,572 Views   Tasted
At close to 20 years of age, I could not believe how young this still seems. With 3 hours of air, the cassis and cigar box characteristics were showing their stuff. There are still some tannins to be resolved. With 4 hours of air, the wine softened, but did not gain in complexity. Classic in style, firm and structured, this is going to age for decades.

At close to 20 years of age, I could not believe how young this still seems. With 3 hours of air, the cassis and cigar box characteristics were showing their stuff. There are still some tannins to be resolved. With 4 hours of air, the wine softened, but did not gain in complexity. Classic in style, firm and structured, this is going to age for decades.

7,949 Views   Tasted
This wine gets better each time I taste it and this is the best showing yet! Cigar box, cassis, blackberries, earth, tobacco and forest floor notes are finally starting to emerge. The tannins are softening, leaving a fleshy, soft, juicy, rich, pure, ripe, fruit filled wine. As good as this is today, it's only going to get better with a few more years of bottle age.

This wine gets better each time I taste it and this is the best showing yet! Cigar box, cassis, blackberries, earth, tobacco and forest floor notes are finally starting to emerge. The tannins are softening, leaving a fleshy, soft, juicy, rich, pure, ripe, fruit filled wine. As good as this is today, it's only going to get better with a few more years of bottle age.

9,310 Views   Tasted
Ruby with hints of slight bricking around the edges, this maturing wine displays scents of cedar wood, damp earth, cassis, mushroom and cigar box aromas. The wine is full bodied, tannic and concentrated. In the mouth, it's like taking a big bite of juicy Cabernet Sauvignon. This is developing nicely and will continue improving for at least another 20 more years.

Ruby with hints of slight bricking around the edges, this maturing wine displays scents of cedar wood, damp earth, cassis, mushroom and cigar box aromas. The wine is full bodied, tannic and concentrated. In the mouth, it's like taking a big bite of juicy Cabernet Sauvignon. This is developing nicely and will continue improving for at least another 20 more years.

14,054 Views   Tasted
1995
90
Like many 1995 Bordeaux wines, this remains tough, tannic and austere. At close to 17 years of age, even when this wine becomes fully mature, it will always have a tannic, masculine, cassis and green flavored personality. This wine will probably please tasters who enjoy more, old school, traditional styled Bordeaux wines.

Like many 1995 Bordeaux wines, this remains tough, tannic and austere. At close to 17 years of age, even when this wine becomes fully mature, it will always have a tannic, masculine, cassis and green flavored personality. This wine will probably please tasters who enjoy more, old school, traditional styled Bordeaux wines.

11,684 Views   Tasted
1994
87
The wine starts off fine, but the dryness and rusticity to the tannins in the finish becomes more dominant with time in the glass. Drink up.

The wine starts off fine, but the dryness and rusticity to the tannins in the finish becomes more dominant with time in the glass. Drink up.

6,230 Views   Tasted
1990
97
I am lucky to taste this as often as I do because I love it! Combining the naturally stoic character of Pauillac with layer after of ripe red currants, cigar box, tobacco leaf, smoke, spice, and wet forest floor, the wine remains full, rich, and dense, yet there is a regal edge to its character that makes this such a turn on. At close to 32 years of age, this is drinking at its peak, where it should remain for at least another 15-20 more years, if well stored, and maybe longer!

I am lucky to taste this as often as I do because I love it! Combining the naturally stoic character of Pauillac with layer after of ripe red currants, cigar box, tobacco leaf, smoke, spice, and wet forest floor, the wine remains full, rich, and dense, yet there is a regal edge to its character that makes this such a turn on. At close to 32 years of age, this is drinking at its peak, where it should remain for at least another 15-20 more years, if well stored, and maybe longer!

4,540 Views   Tasted
Just a superb example of Lynch Bages at its best, drinking in its prime time window. The wine is concentrated, character-driven and filled with ripe red currants, tobacco leaf, cigar box and cedar aromatics. The tannins are ripe, soft and refined, leaving you the perfect amount of freshness, wet earth, herbs, leafy tobacco, cassis, spice and blackberry in the finish. If you have a bottle, do not hesitate to pop a cork.

Just a superb example of Lynch Bages at its best, drinking in its prime time window. The wine is concentrated, character-driven and filled with ripe red currants, tobacco leaf, cigar box and cedar aromatics. The tannins are ripe, soft and refined, leaving you the perfect amount of freshness, wet earth, herbs, leafy tobacco, cassis, spice and blackberry in the finish. If you have a bottle, do not hesitate to pop a cork.

4,951 Views   Tasted
From a magnum, this was just great! Full-bodied, deep, long, intense and complex, the wine is concentrated with ripe, dark red fruits, wet earth tobacco and forest floor. The firm, refined tannins add the right backbone to all that gorgeous, ripe, red fruits. You can drink this now, give it more time. But there is no real reason to wait as this is just singing today.

From a magnum, this was just great! Full-bodied, deep, long, intense and complex, the wine is concentrated with ripe, dark red fruits, wet earth tobacco and forest floor. The firm, refined tannins add the right backbone to all that gorgeous, ripe, red fruits. You can drink this now, give it more time. But there is no real reason to wait as this is just singing today.

6,225 Views   Tasted
Stunning in every sense of the word, this bottle was pristine. Elegant, concentrated, regal and potent, the full bodied wine had ripe, soft tannins and an elegance to the finish. The nose, loaded with tobacco, cedar chest, forest floor, smoke, cassis and cherry could keep you busy for hours. Splash decanted, this was a beauty!

Stunning in every sense of the word, this bottle was pristine. Elegant, concentrated, regal and potent, the full bodied wine had ripe, soft tannins and an elegance to the finish. The nose, loaded with tobacco, cedar chest, forest floor, smoke, cassis and cherry could keep you busy for hours. Splash decanted, this was a beauty!

5,437 Views   Tasted
A good, but probably not pristine example. On the nose the wine offers its cedar, tobacco, cassis, herbal and leafy character with ease. Full bodied and concentrated, there is depth, but this bottle shows a bit more rusticity that it should, and there is an herbal, leaf and green component that takes away from the spicy, red fruits.

A good, but probably not pristine example. On the nose the wine offers its cedar, tobacco, cassis, herbal and leafy character with ease. Full bodied and concentrated, there is depth, but this bottle shows a bit more rusticity that it should, and there is an herbal, leaf and green component that takes away from the spicy, red fruits.

7,134 Views   Tasted
Grace, power and elegance, with the structure to continue aging, a nose of tobacco, cigar box, lead pencil, and herbs and a mouth full of fresh, crisp, sweet, blackberries and cassis and soft textures. Drink it or age it further, either way, this is a winner!

Grace, power and elegance, with the structure to continue aging, a nose of tobacco, cigar box, lead pencil, and herbs and a mouth full of fresh, crisp, sweet, blackberries and cassis and soft textures. Drink it or age it further, either way, this is a winner!

8,359 Views   Tasted
I've probably tasted 1990 Lynch Bages 2-3 times this year and each bottle has been remarkably consistent. What more could you ask for in Pauillac? Full body, intense concentration of flavor, aromatic complexity, sensuous, elegant textures, ripe fruit and tannins and a long finish that's packed with layers of ripe, fresh berries make this a treat. The original $30 price is looking good these days.

I've probably tasted 1990 Lynch Bages 2-3 times this year and each bottle has been remarkably consistent. What more could you ask for in Pauillac? Full body, intense concentration of flavor, aromatic complexity, sensuous, elegant textures, ripe fruit and tannins and a long finish that's packed with layers of ripe, fresh berries make this a treat. The original $30 price is looking good these days.

10,391 Views   Tasted
What a sexy little beast this has morphed into. The tannins are refined and elegant. There is a lot of concentration of fruit and flavor, yet, every part of this wine is polished, plush and soft, There are no hard edges to be found. And it tastes incredibly young and fresh and improved in the glass during the night . You can age this for decades, or enjoy it today. Tasted blind, I thought it was 2000 Pichon Baron, another wine I love. If anyone felt this was the best Lynch Bages of all time, they'd get no argument from me. Why not? If they picked 1989 or 2009, I also see their point. 1990 Lynch Bages is at that same high level. this is truly a stunning Pauillac that is worth seeking out.

What a sexy little beast this has morphed into. The tannins are refined and elegant. There is a lot of concentration of fruit and flavor, yet, every part of this wine is polished, plush and soft, There are no hard edges to be found. And it tastes incredibly young and fresh and improved in the glass during the night . You can age this for decades, or enjoy it today. Tasted blind, I thought it was 2000 Pichon Baron, another wine I love. If anyone felt this was the best Lynch Bages of all time, they'd get no argument from me. Why not? If they picked 1989 or 2009, I also see their point. 1990 Lynch Bages is at that same high level. this is truly a stunning Pauillac that is worth seeking out.

10,562 Views   Tasted
Tobacco leaf, cigar box, gravel, black cherry, cassis, herbs, cedar wood, lead pencil, forest floor and earthy scents capture your attention. On the palate, with its sweet tannins, layers of ripe, fresh, black and red fruits and spice, you want to delve deeper into the wine. This is a serious Pauillac with a lot to offer. Lately, over the past 12 months, I've preferred 1989 Lynch Bages over the 1990. Prior to 2010, the 1990 had been my favorite. At this tasting, both vintages deserved high scores for different reasons. 1989 Lynch Bages is more powerful and tannic, but 1990 Lynch Bages offers a more refined, supple, elegant quality. Either way, these two back to back vintages are sublime.

Tobacco leaf, cigar box, gravel, black cherry, cassis, herbs, cedar wood, lead pencil, forest floor and earthy scents capture your attention. On the palate, with its sweet tannins, layers of ripe, fresh, black and red fruits and spice, you want to delve deeper into the wine. This is a serious Pauillac with a lot to offer. Lately, over the past 12 months, I've preferred 1989 Lynch Bages over the 1990. Prior to 2010, the 1990 had been my favorite. At this tasting, both vintages deserved high scores for different reasons. 1989 Lynch Bages is more powerful and tannic, but 1990 Lynch Bages offers a more refined, supple, elegant quality. Either way, these two back to back vintages are sublime.

11,442 Views   Tasted
One whiff of the gorgeous, smoke, coffee, tobacco, plum, tapenade, cassis, spice, lead pencil and earthy perfume and you know you're tasting a great Pauillac. Blind, the wine feels like a Pomerol as it gracefully fills your palate with ripe, pure, intense, juicy plums, cassis and spice. 1990 Lynch Bages juxtaposes power with elegance. This is probably my favorite vintage of Lynch Bages to drink today. As this wine continues to develop, I would not be surprised to see it gain another point. It's a very special Pauillac with all the great qualities of the 1990 Bordeaux vintage.

One whiff of the gorgeous, smoke, coffee, tobacco, plum, tapenade, cassis, spice, lead pencil and earthy perfume and you know you're tasting a great Pauillac. Blind, the wine feels like a Pomerol as it gracefully fills your palate with ripe, pure, intense, juicy plums, cassis and spice. 1990 Lynch Bages juxtaposes power with elegance. This is probably my favorite vintage of Lynch Bages to drink today. As this wine continues to develop, I would not be surprised to see it gain another point. It's a very special Pauillac with all the great qualities of the 1990 Bordeaux vintage.

12,597 Views   Tasted
This is the silkiest vintage of Lynch Bages I've ever tasted. The velvet tannins and opulent textures remind me of a Pomerol. Concentrated with ripe, sweet, opulent layers fruit, this Pauillac is filled with cassis, tobacco, black cherry, earth, spice, cigar box, stone and forest floor sensations. This sublime Bordeaux wine should continue to improve and offer pleasure for decades.

This is the silkiest vintage of Lynch Bages I've ever tasted. The velvet tannins and opulent textures remind me of a Pomerol. Concentrated with ripe, sweet, opulent layers fruit, this Pauillac is filled with cassis, tobacco, black cherry, earth, spice, cigar box, stone and forest floor sensations. This sublime Bordeaux wine should continue to improve and offer pleasure for decades.

11,827 Views   Tasted
This powerful wine opens with truffle, cassis, tobacco, earth and barn yard notes. Concentrated and filled with juicy, ripe black berry and cassis flavors, this intense wine is showing well today and with more time, it's going to get better!

This powerful wine opens with truffle, cassis, tobacco, earth and barn yard notes. Concentrated and filled with juicy, ripe black berry and cassis flavors, this intense wine is showing well today and with more time, it's going to get better!

12,048 Views   Tasted
The wine opens with ripe, cassis, tobacco, spice and tobacco. Full bodied, with soft round tannins, the soft, elegantly styled, fruit filled finish expresses ample, ripe fruit character. My favorite vintage of LB for current drinking.

The wine opens with ripe, cassis, tobacco, spice and tobacco. Full bodied, with soft round tannins, the soft, elegantly styled, fruit filled finish expresses ample, ripe fruit character. My favorite vintage of LB for current drinking.

7,148 Views   Tasted
Dark, red, ruby color with lightening around the edges. Cassis & smoke on the nose. Full bodied. Silky, lush black fruit on the palate. Surprisingly accessible. This has more in common with the 85 than the 89. Good, but not great. Will improve with a few additional years of bottle age

Dark, red, ruby color with lightening around the edges. Cassis & smoke on the nose. Full bodied. Silky, lush black fruit on the palate. Surprisingly accessible. This has more in common with the 85 than the 89. Good, but not great. Will improve with a few additional years of bottle age

7,138 Views   Tasted
1989
97
Fully mature, right off the bat, the nose, with its cedar, tobacco, herbs, currants and cigar box aromas hit you just right. As good as that is, and it’s good, the palate, which is loaded with ripe, spicy, leafy red fruits delivers length, complexity and character. This is simply fabulous in your glass. Drink from 2023-2040.

Fully mature, right off the bat, the nose, with its cedar, tobacco, herbs, currants and cigar box aromas hit you just right. As good as that is, and it’s good, the palate, which is loaded with ripe, spicy, leafy red fruits delivers length, complexity and character. This is simply fabulous in your glass. Drink from 2023-2040.

3,942 Views   Tasted
The first thing you notice is the unmistakable aroma of an unsmoked Cuban cigar, with its hint of bitter chocolate, coupled with cedar, smoke, tobacco, mint, spice, herbs and roasted blackberries. Full-bodied, concentrated, intense and firm, there is a sweetness to the fruit, a hint of green pepper and a gorgeous display of blackberries and cassis in the long finish. This is not about finesse. Instead, it is all about the fabulous, big juicy gulp of mouth-filling cassis that really hits the spot! The wine is showing great today. If you have a bottle, do not hesitate to check it out.

The first thing you notice is the unmistakable aroma of an unsmoked Cuban cigar, with its hint of bitter chocolate, coupled with cedar, smoke, tobacco, mint, spice, herbs and roasted blackberries. Full-bodied, concentrated, intense and firm, there is a sweetness to the fruit, a hint of green pepper and a gorgeous display of blackberries and cassis in the long finish. This is not about finesse. Instead, it is all about the fabulous, big juicy gulp of mouth-filling cassis that really hits the spot! The wine is showing great today. If you have a bottle, do not hesitate to check it out.

23,611 Views   Tasted
This is a beauty. Powerful and refined, with load os sweet, perfectly ripe, red fruits and elegant, classy tannins, the goes on and on with all its delicious red fruits, earth and tobacco. This is probably at peak, but there is no hurry to drink it. Well-stored bottles should remain here for another 15-20 years with ease.

This is a beauty. Powerful and refined, with load os sweet, perfectly ripe, red fruits and elegant, classy tannins, the goes on and on with all its delicious red fruits, earth and tobacco. This is probably at peak, but there is no hurry to drink it. Well-stored bottles should remain here for another 15-20 years with ease.

62,374 Views   Tasted
It took close to 30 years to enter full maturity but this has hit peak maturity, All the tannins have softened and the texture has taken on the patina of age. The smoke, tobacco, cigar wrapper, blackberry, cassis, forest floor and cedar notes are apparent with little effort. The wine is full bodied, concentrated and offers length and substance. You can age it further, but I am not sure there is any benefit to waiting. There is no hurry to drink it however If well stored, I am sure another 20 years of pleasure will not be a problem, if the bottles have been well stored.

It took close to 30 years to enter full maturity but this has hit peak maturity, All the tannins have softened and the texture has taken on the patina of age. The smoke, tobacco, cigar wrapper, blackberry, cassis, forest floor and cedar notes are apparent with little effort. The wine is full bodied, concentrated and offers length and substance. You can age it further, but I am not sure there is any benefit to waiting. There is no hurry to drink it however If well stored, I am sure another 20 years of pleasure will not be a problem, if the bottles have been well stored.

82,338 Views   Tasted
Just great wine. The old school nose, with lead pencil, cedar wood, forest floor, tobacco and cassis popped with no effort. Full bodied, deep and concentrated, the finish had so much fruit, you wanted to eat it! Truly, a fabulous bottle of Pauillac.

Just great wine. The old school nose, with lead pencil, cedar wood, forest floor, tobacco and cassis popped with no effort. Full bodied, deep and concentrated, the finish had so much fruit, you wanted to eat it! Truly, a fabulous bottle of Pauillac.

85,431 Views   Tasted
This is such a great wine. From start to finish, it's a complete experience. Beginning with the tobacco, cedar wood, cassis, and wet earth perfume, the wine is full bodied, concentrated and allows it weight to carry through to the spicy, sweet, fruit and tobacco filled finish. I am sure well stored bottles will continue evolving for another 2 decades with ease.

This is such a great wine. From start to finish, it's a complete experience. Beginning with the tobacco, cedar wood, cassis, and wet earth perfume, the wine is full bodied, concentrated and allows it weight to carry through to the spicy, sweet, fruit and tobacco filled finish. I am sure well stored bottles will continue evolving for another 2 decades with ease.

90,517 Views   Tasted
Big, concentrated, light in its feet, with layers of vibrant, lively, cassis, and blackberries, the tobacco, cigar box, cedar and forest floor add to the wines complexity. Great texture, length and character, this is stunning and should continue to get better and better for at least another decade or two.

Big, concentrated, light in its feet, with layers of vibrant, lively, cassis, and blackberries, the tobacco, cigar box, cedar and forest floor add to the wines complexity. Great texture, length and character, this is stunning and should continue to get better and better for at least another decade or two.

102,954 Views   Tasted
From a bottle purchased on release and stored in a cold cellar, the wine opened with a complex aromatic profile packed with tobacco, cigar box, cedar, black currents, blackberry, smoke, truffle and forest floor popping from the glass. On the palate, the wine full bodied and concentrated with ripe, dark berries, refined tannins and acidity. Everything is in balance and harmony. As good as this vintage of Lynch Bages is, it's still not fully mature! If you have more than a few bottles, there is no time like the present to pop one. If you have the patience to wait a decade, it's only going to get better!

From a bottle purchased on release and stored in a cold cellar, the wine opened with a complex aromatic profile packed with tobacco, cigar box, cedar, black currents, blackberry, smoke, truffle and forest floor popping from the glass. On the palate, the wine full bodied and concentrated with ripe, dark berries, refined tannins and acidity. Everything is in balance and harmony. As good as this vintage of Lynch Bages is, it's still not fully mature! If you have more than a few bottles, there is no time like the present to pop one. If you have the patience to wait a decade, it's only going to get better!

108,574 Views   Tasted
Pungent ripe aromas of black, red and blue fruit, truffle, tobacco, ash, cassis, earth and spice grab your attention. Powerful, full bodied, intense, balanced, refined and still youthful at close to 22 years old, this text book Pauillac continues inching closer to maturity. For years I've thought the 1990 Lynch Bages was a better wine, due to its voluptuous character, but I am slowly changing my tune with each tasting of the 1989.

Pungent ripe aromas of black, red and blue fruit, truffle, tobacco, ash, cassis, earth and spice grab your attention. Powerful, full bodied, intense, balanced, refined and still youthful at close to 22 years old, this text book Pauillac continues inching closer to maturity. For years I've thought the 1990 Lynch Bages was a better wine, due to its voluptuous character, but I am slowly changing my tune with each tasting of the 1989.

108,402 Views   Tasted
One of the signs of a great Bordeaux wine is its ability to age and improve for decades. Because this was so cheap on release, I'm able to taste 1989 Lynch Bages fairly often. Each time, the wine seems to improve. With a powerful, tobacco filled perfume, complicated with juicy cassis, truffle, smoke, forest floor, spice, gravel, green herbs and blackberry, this wine catches your attention. Big, dense, concentrated and still with the stuffing to age and improve, the wine has fleshed out and offers a long, pure, blackberry, cassis and spice filled finish.

One of the signs of a great Bordeaux wine is its ability to age and improve for decades. Because this was so cheap on release, I'm able to taste 1989 Lynch Bages fairly often. Each time, the wine seems to improve. With a powerful, tobacco filled perfume, complicated with juicy cassis, truffle, smoke, forest floor, spice, gravel, green herbs and blackberry, this wine catches your attention. Big, dense, concentrated and still with the stuffing to age and improve, the wine has fleshed out and offers a long, pure, blackberry, cassis and spice filled finish.

108,617 Views   Tasted
This youthful Pauillac continues to display a dark ruby color. The purple hue it once displayed is gone, but the ruby shows very little lightening at the edges. Underbrush, cassis, cedar, forest floor, tobacco and earthy scents come alive with very little coaxing from this Bordeaux wine. Waves of sweet, ripe, black cherry, chocolate and cassis coat your mouth. The intense sweet finish remains for at least 45 seconds. In 1989, the Medoc was a mixed bag, especially when it comes to the First Growths. Along with Chateau Pichon they are both contenders for the top Pauillac of the year. This bottle was the best example of 89 Lynch Bages I have yet tasted. While 1989 Lynch Bages will improve for at least another 15-20 years,( Some tannin remains). if you have more than a few bottles, there is no need to wait. The only complaint about this wine is, in the finish, a minor hint of green could be detected. This was probably due to a lack of severe selection. That issue aside, this is a great Bordeaux wine experience I’d drink any day. I remember buying this close to a year after it was released for about $30 a bottle! Those were the days… 96Pts (And it might earn another Pt as it develops.

This youthful Pauillac continues to display a dark ruby color. The purple hue it once displayed is gone, but the ruby shows very little lightening at the edges. Underbrush, cassis, cedar, forest floor, tobacco and earthy scents come alive with very little coaxing from this Bordeaux wine. Waves of sweet, ripe, black cherry, chocolate and cassis coat your mouth. The intense sweet finish remains for at least 45 seconds. In 1989, the Medoc was a mixed bag, especially when it comes to the First Growths. Along with Chateau Pichon they are both contenders for the top Pauillac of the year. This bottle was the best example of 89 Lynch Bages I have yet tasted. While 1989 Lynch Bages will improve for at least another 15-20 years,( Some tannin remains). if you have more than a few bottles, there is no need to wait. The only complaint about this wine is, in the finish, a minor hint of green could be detected. This was probably due to a lack of severe selection. That issue aside, this is a great Bordeaux wine experience I’d drink any day. I remember buying this close to a year after it was released for about $30 a bottle! Those were the days… 96Pts (And it might earn another Pt as it develops.

109,331 Views   Tasted
The deep ruby color was assisted by a beautiful nose of cassis, mint, tobacco, and chocolate. Big, fat, concentrated and well balanced. Tannins are firm, but they have integrated well into the wine. Very broad shouldered. Still young, at 20 years of age, it’s much closer to maturity than previous bottles I’ve tasted. The long, lusty, fruit filled finish had a lot of persistence and was a pleasure to taste. Well stored bottles have at least another 20 or more years of evolution in their future.

The deep ruby color was assisted by a beautiful nose of cassis, mint, tobacco, and chocolate. Big, fat, concentrated and well balanced. Tannins are firm, but they have integrated well into the wine. Very broad shouldered. Still young, at 20 years of age, it’s much closer to maturity than previous bottles I’ve tasted. The long, lusty, fruit filled finish had a lot of persistence and was a pleasure to taste. Well stored bottles have at least another 20 or more years of evolution in their future.

104,967 Views   Tasted
This wine presents a mountain of dark, black fruit and cassis. Tannic, brawny and dense in style. Needs time.

This wine presents a mountain of dark, black fruit and cassis. Tannic, brawny and dense in style. Needs time.

104,835 Views   Tasted
Cassis, black fruit, cigar and BBQ spices on the nose. Dense, concentrated, chewy, full bodied, huge masculine wine. Ample tannin remains to resolve. This is not a wallflower of a wine. It’s a bruiser.

Cassis, black fruit, cigar and BBQ spices on the nose. Dense, concentrated, chewy, full bodied, huge masculine wine. Ample tannin remains to resolve. This is not a wallflower of a wine. It’s a bruiser.

104,898 Views   Tasted
The comparison between the 89 & 90 clearly demonstrate the differences between vintages. Opaque, purple color. Compelling perfume of ripe, black fruit, cassis, herbs and cedar that explodes from the glass. Huge, full-bodied, almost dense wine. Extremely concentrated, very thick. A long fruit filled, slightly chalky finish. This huge, hulking wine is not for lovers of finesse or for the faint of heart. It is very powerful and masculine. But in its own way, it's a compelling wine, towering over the 90. As open as it was, another 5-8 years of cellaring will improve the wine. It has a long future ahead.

The comparison between the 89 & 90 clearly demonstrate the differences between vintages. Opaque, purple color. Compelling perfume of ripe, black fruit, cassis, herbs and cedar that explodes from the glass. Huge, full-bodied, almost dense wine. Extremely concentrated, very thick. A long fruit filled, slightly chalky finish. This huge, hulking wine is not for lovers of finesse or for the faint of heart. It is very powerful and masculine. But in its own way, it's a compelling wine, towering over the 90. As open as it was, another 5-8 years of cellaring will improve the wine. It has a long future ahead.

105,171 Views   Tasted
1988
91
Old school styled Pauillac, with a combination of strict, austerity and a charming, cedar, tobacco, cigar wrapper, leaf and cassis personality, the wine is full bodied, fully mature, ending with a spicy, cassis finish. Give it an hour of air, at this stage. It will add softness and depth.

Old school styled Pauillac, with a combination of strict, austerity and a charming, cedar, tobacco, cigar wrapper, leaf and cassis personality, the wine is full bodied, fully mature, ending with a spicy, cassis finish. Give it an hour of air, at this stage. It will add softness and depth.

4,624 Views   Tasted
Really quite charming, this is one of the better 1988 Pauillac wines for sure. Close to fully developed, with a focus on its crisp, bright, red berry palate, there is plenty of wet earth damp forest, cedar wood and cigar box aromatics to please fans of mature claret. This is more stern than regal, and it is not as you would expect, as good as either of its bookend vintages, 1989 or 1990, but it makes for nice drinking today, as it slowly makes its way to its 30th birthday.

Really quite charming, this is one of the better 1988 Pauillac wines for sure. Close to fully developed, with a focus on its crisp, bright, red berry palate, there is plenty of wet earth damp forest, cedar wood and cigar box aromatics to please fans of mature claret. This is more stern than regal, and it is not as you would expect, as good as either of its bookend vintages, 1989 or 1990, but it makes for nice drinking today, as it slowly makes its way to its 30th birthday.

5,087 Views   Tasted
1986
90
This brawny, beefy, masculine style of Pauillac is the epitome of what many people call classic. Still young and tannic, with luck, time will help this wine. While it may soften and gain complexity, it will always remain stern.

This brawny, beefy, masculine style of Pauillac is the epitome of what many people call classic. Still young and tannic, with luck, time will help this wine. While it may soften and gain complexity, it will always remain stern.

5,355 Views   Tasted
This remains a very tannic wine. While the fruit was evident, for my palate, the tannin was obtrusive. Very chewy, dense beefy cassis and black fruit without a lot of charm.

This remains a very tannic wine. While the fruit was evident, for my palate, the tannin was obtrusive. Very chewy, dense beefy cassis and black fruit without a lot of charm.

5,605 Views   Tasted
1985
91
This ready to go Pauillac starts off with in all the right ways, with its cedar chest, cassis, tobacco and forest floor profile. Smooth, soft, medium/full bodied, with a blast of cassis and tobacco and cassis in the finish. There is no reason to wait for more aging, this is clearly ready, willing and able to deliver.

This ready to go Pauillac starts off with in all the right ways, with its cedar chest, cassis, tobacco and forest floor profile. Smooth, soft, medium/full bodied, with a blast of cassis and tobacco and cassis in the finish. There is no reason to wait for more aging, this is clearly ready, willing and able to deliver.

5,414 Views   Tasted
Fully mature, this soft, refined, medium bodied, cassis, tobacco, cranberry, wet forest and cigar box scented wine is drinking as good as it's going to get. I'd drink this sooner than later if I owned another bottle.

Fully mature, this soft, refined, medium bodied, cassis, tobacco, cranberry, wet forest and cigar box scented wine is drinking as good as it's going to get. I'd drink this sooner than later if I owned another bottle.

7,252 Views   Tasted
Tobacco, truffle, earth and red fruit. Medium bodied, light, fully mature, the fruit had started to fade in this bottle, which ended in a cassis and cranberry finish. While this bottle was probably not perfect, based on other examples, this is not a wine to hold. I'd drink it sooner than later.

Tobacco, truffle, earth and red fruit. Medium bodied, light, fully mature, the fruit had started to fade in this bottle, which ended in a cassis and cranberry finish. While this bottle was probably not perfect, based on other examples, this is not a wine to hold. I'd drink it sooner than later.

11,431 Views   Tasted
Fully mature, with a light ruby color and hints of tea at the edges, cedar wood, cassis, herbs, tobacco, coffee and forest aromas are easy to find. Soft in texture, and lacking the levels of concentration found in the best vintages of Lynch Baqes, this silky wine ends with spice coated red and black fruits. This is not going to improve and has already started to gently decline. Drink up.

Fully mature, with a light ruby color and hints of tea at the edges, cedar wood, cassis, herbs, tobacco, coffee and forest aromas are easy to find. Soft in texture, and lacking the levels of concentration found in the best vintages of Lynch Baqes, this silky wine ends with spice coated red and black fruits. This is not going to improve and has already started to gently decline. Drink up.

11,241 Views   Tasted
The wine is filled with scents of cedar, tobacco, cassis, earth, forest and blackberry aromas. This old school, charming style of Pauillac is mature, but is not in danger of falling apart in the near future. The full bodied spice and cassis filled finish shows a bit of rusticity.

The wine is filled with scents of cedar, tobacco, cassis, earth, forest and blackberry aromas. This old school, charming style of Pauillac is mature, but is not in danger of falling apart in the near future. The full bodied spice and cassis filled finish shows a bit of rusticity.

10,627 Views   Tasted
Lots of ripe dark and red fruit with hints of cedar in the nose. Unlike the 86, ample charm is discovered in this mature, cassis filled wine that is a pleasure to drink.

Lots of ripe dark and red fruit with hints of cedar in the nose. Unlike the 86, ample charm is discovered in this mature, cassis filled wine that is a pleasure to drink.

5,821 Views   Tasted
1983
85
Fully mature and fading, with more secondary earth, tobacco, cedar, leaf, herb and forest aromatics than fruit. The textures also show quite, old school tannins with their rusticity, in the clipped, sweet and tart, with more tart than sweet fruit in the finish. This is not a wine I would hold for further development.

Fully mature and fading, with more secondary earth, tobacco, cedar, leaf, herb and forest aromatics than fruit. The textures also show quite, old school tannins with their rusticity, in the clipped, sweet and tart, with more tart than sweet fruit in the finish. This is not a wine I would hold for further development.

5,648 Views   Tasted
1982
95
Probably completely developed, here you find a nose packed with tobacco, cigar box, green leafy herbs, cedar, smoke and currants galore. Full-bodied, regal, but slightly rustic, with layers of fruits, spice, herbs and tobacco leaf, this is classic Left Bank Bordeaux at its best.

Probably completely developed, here you find a nose packed with tobacco, cigar box, green leafy herbs, cedar, smoke and currants galore. Full-bodied, regal, but slightly rustic, with layers of fruits, spice, herbs and tobacco leaf, this is classic Left Bank Bordeaux at its best.

3,560 Views   Tasted
If you have wondered what Lynch Bages tastes like at full-maturity, find a bottle of the 1982! This stunner rocks as soon as the wine greets your glass. The cedar, tobacco leaf, cigar box, forest floor, pepper, herbs and cassis in the nose is classic, aged Pauillac. Full-bodied, with density, length, character and the combination of bright red berries, herbs, earth and peppery, green, forest leaf on the palate, every sip tastes and feels great. There is no hurry to drink this, but I do not see any upside to holding it longer. Drink this now and over the next 15-20 years, and enjoy the ride!

If you have wondered what Lynch Bages tastes like at full-maturity, find a bottle of the 1982! This stunner rocks as soon as the wine greets your glass. The cedar, tobacco leaf, cigar box, forest floor, pepper, herbs and cassis in the nose is classic, aged Pauillac. Full-bodied, with density, length, character and the combination of bright red berries, herbs, earth and peppery, green, forest leaf on the palate, every sip tastes and feels great. There is no hurry to drink this, but I do not see any upside to holding it longer. Drink this now and over the next 15-20 years, and enjoy the ride!

5,476 Views   Tasted
Classic in all the good ways, here you find lots of cedar, tobacco, smoke, earth and lead pencil on top of the ripe, vibrant cassis. On the palate, there is a slight rusticity and firmness to the tannins, with notes of green herbs olive, but instead of detracting, they add to the fresh, red fruits. This is drinking great today, where it should hold for at least 15 or more years.

Classic in all the good ways, here you find lots of cedar, tobacco, smoke, earth and lead pencil on top of the ripe, vibrant cassis. On the palate, there is a slight rusticity and firmness to the tannins, with notes of green herbs olive, but instead of detracting, they add to the fresh, red fruits. This is drinking great today, where it should hold for at least 15 or more years.

4,551 Views   Tasted
Fully mature, but not close to over the hill as it’s got all the right stuff in all the right places, the tobacco, cassis, wet forest floor, thyme and assorted herb profile is there from the first sniff through to the cassis studded finish. This could get a tiny bit better, or it could remain right where it is for ages. Regardless, there is no reason to wait to pop a cork on this wine.

Fully mature, but not close to over the hill as it’s got all the right stuff in all the right places, the tobacco, cassis, wet forest floor, thyme and assorted herb profile is there from the first sniff through to the cassis studded finish. This could get a tiny bit better, or it could remain right where it is for ages. Regardless, there is no reason to wait to pop a cork on this wine.

5,782 Views   Tasted
Drinking in the perfect sweet spot, this is all about the truffle, tobacco, blackberry, cassis and earthy nose to start. It gets even better once the wine hits your palate, with its layers of fat, lush, ripe, sweet berries and long finish. Drink this now, or age it for another 10-15 years if it’s perfectly stored.

Drinking in the perfect sweet spot, this is all about the truffle, tobacco, blackberry, cassis and earthy nose to start. It gets even better once the wine hits your palate, with its layers of fat, lush, ripe, sweet berries and long finish. Drink this now, or age it for another 10-15 years if it’s perfectly stored.

6,867 Views   Tasted
A good bottle of 1982 Lynch Bages, meaning well stored really delivers the goods. The tannins are ripe, round and polished, the fruit is ripe and sweet, the nose is packed with tobacco, earth, truffle, cedar chest, forest floor, herbs and cassis notes and the finish carries through. 60 minutes of decanting added to the experience.

A good bottle of 1982 Lynch Bages, meaning well stored really delivers the goods. The tannins are ripe, round and polished, the fruit is ripe and sweet, the nose is packed with tobacco, earth, truffle, cedar chest, forest floor, herbs and cassis notes and the finish carries through. 60 minutes of decanting added to the experience.

6,506 Views   Tasted
With a textbook Pauillac nose packed with cedar chest, tobacco, earth, truffle, cassis, cigar box, spice and charcoal, you know you're in for a treat. Rich, deep concentrated, this full bodied, potent, classic vintage of Lynch Bages is firing on all cylinders today. If you have a bottle that's resting in your cellar, you can wait, it will probably improve. But if you own a few bottles, you should pull a cork.

With a textbook Pauillac nose packed with cedar chest, tobacco, earth, truffle, cassis, cigar box, spice and charcoal, you know you're in for a treat. Rich, deep concentrated, this full bodied, potent, classic vintage of Lynch Bages is firing on all cylinders today. If you have a bottle that's resting in your cellar, you can wait, it will probably improve. But if you own a few bottles, you should pull a cork.

8,809 Views   Tasted
Close to fully mature, with scents of forest floor, tobacco, ash, cassis, blackberry, spice and earth; this round, soft textured Pauillac feels elegant as it crosses your palate. The wine ends with plums, spice, blackberry and red fruits with a hint of olive tapenade.

Close to fully mature, with scents of forest floor, tobacco, ash, cassis, blackberry, spice and earth; this round, soft textured Pauillac feels elegant as it crosses your palate. The wine ends with plums, spice, blackberry and red fruits with a hint of olive tapenade.

12,200 Views   Tasted
The perfume grabs your attention the moment the cork is popped and the wine leaves your glass. Cassis, cigar box, tobacco, earth, cedar wood, gravel, spice and smoke aromas are all over the place. Powerful, full bodied and packed with juicy, ripe, cassis, this is a very classy and classic Pauillac wine that at close to 30 years of age is drinking perfectly.

The perfume grabs your attention the moment the cork is popped and the wine leaves your glass. Cassis, cigar box, tobacco, earth, cedar wood, gravel, spice and smoke aromas are all over the place. Powerful, full bodied and packed with juicy, ripe, cassis, this is a very classy and classic Pauillac wine that at close to 30 years of age is drinking perfectly.

11,815 Views   Tasted
Cedar, pencil, truffle, tobacco, cassis and caramel starts off the perfume. Big, masculine and concentrated, there is a lot going on in this Bordeaux wine which finishes with a big juicy mouthful of ripe, spicy Cabernet fruit.

Cedar, pencil, truffle, tobacco, cassis and caramel starts off the perfume. Big, masculine and concentrated, there is a lot going on in this Bordeaux wine which finishes with a big juicy mouthful of ripe, spicy Cabernet fruit.

8,332 Views   Tasted
This delivered healthy doses of cassis, wood, herbs and ripe fruit. The texture is rich, full bodied and slightly chewy. The finish is filled with spicy, dark fruits.

This delivered healthy doses of cassis, wood, herbs and ripe fruit. The texture is rich, full bodied and slightly chewy. The finish is filled with spicy, dark fruits.

6,377 Views   Tasted
Deep ruby with lightening around the rim. Aromas of cassis, wood, herbs and ripe fruit. The texture is rich, full bodied and slightly chewy. The finish is nice with a hint of spicy dark fruits. No hurry to drink, it should last and probably improve another 15-20 years.

Deep ruby with lightening around the rim. Aromas of cassis, wood, herbs and ripe fruit. The texture is rich, full bodied and slightly chewy. The finish is nice with a hint of spicy dark fruits. No hurry to drink, it should last and probably improve another 15-20 years.

6,433 Views   Tasted
1978
86
Clearly on the other side, as the wine is centered around its cedar, tobacco leaf, cigar box, wet forest, and smoke profile, leaving you with just a bit of bright red fruit and a strong herbal component to chew on. Medium-bodied, bright and crisp, this requires consumption.

Clearly on the other side, as the wine is centered around its cedar, tobacco leaf, cigar box, wet forest, and smoke profile, leaving you with just a bit of bright red fruit and a strong herbal component to chew on. Medium-bodied, bright and crisp, this requires consumption.

5,344 Views   Tasted
1975
85
Firm, hard, masculine, tough style of wine. With stern tannins and a sharp, cassis, strawberry, olive, herb and cranberry fruit profile. The best part of the wine is on the tertiary nose, with its tobacco, cedar chest, earthy, cherry and forest floor nose. It is on the palate, where you meet the typicity of the 1975 vintage.

Firm, hard, masculine, tough style of wine. With stern tannins and a sharp, cassis, strawberry, olive, herb and cranberry fruit profile. The best part of the wine is on the tertiary nose, with its tobacco, cedar chest, earthy, cherry and forest floor nose. It is on the palate, where you meet the typicity of the 1975 vintage.

3,662 Views   Tasted
1970
92
Medium-bodied, classic, rustic, and chewy, the wine is packed with cedar, tobacco leaf, cigar box, green, leafy herbs, and earthy red currants on the nose and on the palate. No decanting is needed, this is a textbook example of classic Pauillac at full maturity. Thought it does require drinking in the near term before the remaining fruit fades. Drink from 2022-2028.

Medium-bodied, classic, rustic, and chewy, the wine is packed with cedar, tobacco leaf, cigar box, green, leafy herbs, and earthy red currants on the nose and on the palate. No decanting is needed, this is a textbook example of classic Pauillac at full maturity. Thought it does require drinking in the near term before the remaining fruit fades. Drink from 2022-2028.

3,247 Views   Tasted
Even though it is in its gently declining stage, there is still gas left in the 50-year-old tank. Popped and poured, the nose provides ample cedar, tobacco leaf, forest leaf, red currant and herbs. The palate is not quite as complex as the nose. Still, its rustic, currant filled charms with its cigar wrapper and crunchy red berries provided a nice, classic, fully-mature experience. There is no reason to hold this wine any longer. If you are sitting on any, it is time to drink up, before it continues declining.

Even though it is in its gently declining stage, there is still gas left in the 50-year-old tank. Popped and poured, the nose provides ample cedar, tobacco leaf, forest leaf, red currant and herbs. The palate is not quite as complex as the nose. Still, its rustic, currant filled charms with its cigar wrapper and crunchy red berries provided a nice, classic, fully-mature experience. There is no reason to hold this wine any longer. If you are sitting on any, it is time to drink up, before it continues declining.

3,778 Views   Tasted
It's been years since I last tasted this wine. In fact, I had forgotten it, as it lay hidden, behind other bottles in the cellar, waiting for the chance to show what its made of. That turned out to be a good thing because this showed great! The strong cedar component rode out in front, followed by herbs, green forest leaf, smoke, tobacco and cassis. Full bodied, a little bit reserved and strict in character, all was forgiven once the blast of old-school red fruits and cigar wrapper hit your palate. Long, full, juicy and still fresh, this is a beauty in your glass.

It's been years since I last tasted this wine. In fact, I had forgotten it, as it lay hidden, behind other bottles in the cellar, waiting for the chance to show what its made of. That turned out to be a good thing because this showed great! The strong cedar component rode out in front, followed by herbs, green forest leaf, smoke, tobacco and cassis. Full bodied, a little bit reserved and strict in character, all was forgiven once the blast of old-school red fruits and cigar wrapper hit your palate. Long, full, juicy and still fresh, this is a beauty in your glass.

4,534 Views   Tasted
It's like poking your nose in an old cedar chest that has been storing cigars for a few years. This is what classic old Claret is all about. The cassis dominated wine is not about refinement. Instead it's focused on mature flavors and a blast of fruit in the finish. Had the finish been just a bit longer, this bottle would have deserved a better score, Other bottles could be even better.

It's like poking your nose in an old cedar chest that has been storing cigars for a few years. This is what classic old Claret is all about. The cassis dominated wine is not about refinement. Instead it's focused on mature flavors and a blast of fruit in the finish. Had the finish been just a bit longer, this bottle would have deserved a better score, Other bottles could be even better.

6,553 Views   Tasted
Cedar, tar & tobacco notes on the nose with black raspberries and cherry liqueur on the palate. Full bodied, dense, masculine, this is a big, beefy, classic style of Lynch Bages.

Cedar, tar & tobacco notes on the nose with black raspberries and cherry liqueur on the palate. Full bodied, dense, masculine, this is a big, beefy, classic style of Lynch Bages.

3,911 Views   Tasted
1966
90
At more than 50 years of age, this is still serving up the goods. Robust, rustic and rockin', the wine delivers a juicy mouthful of sweet and semi-tart red fruits, while the nose kicks in its part with cedar, lead pencil, cigar box, ash, tobacco and forest leaf notes. This is at maximum peak, but I'm sure well-stored bottles have another decade at this level to look forward to.

At more than 50 years of age, this is still serving up the goods. Robust, rustic and rockin', the wine delivers a juicy mouthful of sweet and semi-tart red fruits, while the nose kicks in its part with cedar, lead pencil, cigar box, ash, tobacco and forest leaf notes. This is at maximum peak, but I'm sure well-stored bottles have another decade at this level to look forward to.

2,847 Views   Tasted
1964
80
Extremely light in color and density, the nose was all about the cedar wood, tobacco and bright, red berries. The nose was better than the palate, which although extremely light, and even dilute, the patina of age was quite charming and made the wine fun to drink.

Extremely light in color and density, the nose was all about the cedar wood, tobacco and bright, red berries. The nose was better than the palate, which although extremely light, and even dilute, the patina of age was quite charming and made the wine fun to drink.

3,313 Views   Tasted
1962
89
Tobacco, gravel, forest floor, earth, leather, tar, soy and memories of cassis made up the text book, mature Bordeaux wine aromatics. A little gruff in texture, yet, still with the charm of aged Claret, this fully mature wine finished with spicy, earth and cassis flavors.

Tobacco, gravel, forest floor, earth, leather, tar, soy and memories of cassis made up the text book, mature Bordeaux wine aromatics. A little gruff in texture, yet, still with the charm of aged Claret, this fully mature wine finished with spicy, earth and cassis flavors.

5,539 Views   Tasted
1961
90
Cigar box, wet earth, cedar chest and cassis on the nose. The wine is better on the palate with its fresh, sweet cherry, spicy cassis flavors and medium bodied, fully developed character. Each bottle is different, especially with 50 years of age. It’s important to note, I’ve had much better bottles and a few that were worse. Such is life.

Cigar box, wet earth, cedar chest and cassis on the nose. The wine is better on the palate with its fresh, sweet cherry, spicy cassis flavors and medium bodied, fully developed character. Each bottle is different, especially with 50 years of age. It’s important to note, I’ve had much better bottles and a few that were worse. Such is life.

6,204 Views   Tasted
With the patina of age in the color and nose, the perfume dealt out a complex hand of cedar wood, tobacco leaf, cigar box, cassis, cherry, spice box, leather, forest floor, wet earth, truffle and cigar ash. There was a refined sense of masculinity to the texture. The long, spicy, cherry and cassis filled finish displayed the sensations that only a perfectly, mature, older Bordeaux can deliver. At this age, it's all about the bottle. This was picked up from the original owner who kept it in a cold, dark cellar since the day it was delivered. What a nice treat! I'm definitely hanging on to some of my 1989 and 1990 Lynch Bages to enjoy when they are 50 years old. On the other hand, perhaps I should do that with my 1982's. That's only 20 more years from now.

With the patina of age in the color and nose, the perfume dealt out a complex hand of cedar wood, tobacco leaf, cigar box, cassis, cherry, spice box, leather, forest floor, wet earth, truffle and cigar ash. There was a refined sense of masculinity to the texture. The long, spicy, cherry and cassis filled finish displayed the sensations that only a perfectly, mature, older Bordeaux can deliver. At this age, it's all about the bottle. This was picked up from the original owner who kept it in a cold, dark cellar since the day it was delivered. What a nice treat! I'm definitely hanging on to some of my 1989 and 1990 Lynch Bages to enjoy when they are 50 years old. On the other hand, perhaps I should do that with my 1982's. That's only 20 more years from now.

6,385 Views   Tasted
Cedar, cherries, tobacco, earth, forest floor, truffles, mushroom, minerals and cassis are easy to spot. Full bodied, rich and concentratedr, this still powerful wine pairs grace with elegance and the patina of age to deliver textural and aromatic sensations.

Cedar, cherries, tobacco, earth, forest floor, truffles, mushroom, minerals and cassis are easy to spot. Full bodied, rich and concentratedr, this still powerful wine pairs grace with elegance and the patina of age to deliver textural and aromatic sensations.

8,602 Views   Tasted
A nice display of Cuban tobacco, forest floor, plums and cassis. Good weight, but as a matter of style, this wine was almost brutish. Very masculine and brawny, almost simple. The finish ended with a hint of tart flavors. I've tasted better bottles.

A nice display of Cuban tobacco, forest floor, plums and cassis. Good weight, but as a matter of style, this wine was almost brutish. Very masculine and brawny, almost simple. The finish ended with a hint of tart flavors. I've tasted better bottles.

3,575 Views   Tasted
1955
87
Quite light in color and weight, there is still enough pretty, bright, crisp red berries, tobacco leaf, herbs, wet earth and leafy notes to go around. Soft and a bit short, this is probably at least 15-20 years past its prime. If you are holding any, you really need to drink it up and it's only going to continue fading from here.

Quite light in color and weight, there is still enough pretty, bright, crisp red berries, tobacco leaf, herbs, wet earth and leafy notes to go around. Soft and a bit short, this is probably at least 15-20 years past its prime. If you are holding any, you really need to drink it up and it's only going to continue fading from here.

2,987 Views   Tasted