1986 Lynch Bages
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Tasting notes
Deep, blackish crimson - deeper than the 1995 Lynch-Bages served alongside. Fully evolved nose and massively flattering richness on the palate. This is still pretty glorious and very much a Lynch-Bages rather than classic claret. Spicy and broad and persistent. Really rather delicious! With a hint of graphite. A very good bottle. Chock-full of fruit and character despite the relatively low alcohol. (JR)
Critic scores
Average Score
Wine Spectator
Robert Parker
More reviews and scores
The 1986 Lynch-Bages is a vintage that I have not encountered for some time. Deep in hue, it has an attractive nose with blackberry, melted asphalt, mint and a hint of gravel in the background. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins considering the vintage. It's powerful but has the elegance that Jean-Michel Cazes made sure his wines had in this decade. Not as austere as some 1986s, this Lynch Bages might lack the fireworks of the 1989 or 1990, but as a precursor to those vintages, it is a might fine Pauillac. (NM)
Full bottle 1,268 g. Transparent blackish ruby. Very Cabernet and minerally and perhaps just starting to dry out but not remotely seriously. Absolutely classic Pauillac with admirable persistence. (JR)
Dark garnet – deeper colour than the 1995 served alongside. Smudgy and fully evolved, rich Pauillac. Not at all stringy. Lovely sweetness and persistence. Tasting awfully well now! Just very slightly dry and dusty on the very end but very much alive. (JR)
About the producer
Ch. Lynch-Bages is one of the largest and best properties in Pauillac, in the Médoc. While officially classified as a Fifth Growth estate, it regularly competes with the First and Second Growths when it comes to quality and ageability.