2016 Lynch Bages
Buying options
Tasting notes
The 2016 Lynch Bages has a well-defined bouquet with blackberry, cedar and graphite scents, very complex, extremely pure and seductive, yet the class is absolutely clear. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins. There is a symmetry about this '16 that is compelling. Impressive length and bewitching detail from start to finish. Tasted blind (twice) at the Southwold 10-Year-On tasting.
Critic scores
Average Score
James Suckling
Wine Spectator
More reviews and scores
Graphite, licorice, dark fruit and a touch of tar on the nose. Firm and structured, with great detail and definition. Medium- to full-bodied. This is still structured and will definitely benefit from more bottle age. Better after 2027. 10 Years On retrospective.
Black cherry and damson, crushed raspberry, plenty of aromatic freshness and autumnal fruits. This has plenty of sculpted tannins and Pauillac character. In a subdued phase like many of the bigger wines are right now, proving how the 10 years on is a capricious bet in the bigger more structured vintages, especially in Pauillac.
75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot. Aged for 18 months in oak barrels (75% new). Dense, purple-black hue. Pure and reserved on the nose with a nuance of dark fruit. Sublime palate with depth and substance but fresh and balanced as well. Big tannic frame but the tannins refined and integrated. Finish goes on and on. Clearly one for the cellar. (JL)
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.