2020 Lynsolence

The flagship cuvée from Denis Barraud, the 2020 Lynsolence comes from a tiny 2.5-hectare vineyard of gravelly soils over clay and limestone located on the lower plains of Saint-Emilion. As always, it’s all Merlot (from 55-year-old vines) that saw malolactic fermentation in barrels and was raised 18 months in 100% new French oak. Deep purple in color, with ample black raspberry, cassis, graphite, camphor, and background spicy oak, it’s medium to full-bodied, concentrated, dense, and velvety on the palate. It’s not for the oak averse, but it’s going to show a much more classic profile with 3-4 years of bottle age and evolve through 2035.

The 2020 Lynsolence has a powerful ripe nose with red cherries, kirsch, marmalade and sous-bois aromas, though I find more delineation and freshness compared to the Lucia. The palate is ripe and heady, a little too strong on the new oak (100%) that occludes the terroir expression on the finish. Apply the brakes (please).

The 2020 Lynsolence, 100% old-vine Merlot, is even better than it was en primeur. Inky, deep and explosive, with remarkable energy, the 2020 is a rockstar. Crème de cassis, crushed rocks, lavender, spice and menthol are all vivid in the glass. This potent, deep Saint-Émilion is a winner. Superb. Tasted two times.