2021 Château Lynch-Bages
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Tasting notes
Even in a lighter vintage, Ch. Lynch Bages finds wonderful concentration and structure. The cooler temperatures in 2021 and slight water deficit saw the top terroirs prove their mettle; cropping at just 34hl/ha, the Grand Vin is dominated by these sites. The estate is not afraid to extract and, at this early stage during the en primeur tastings, the wine always has a little more overt structure than its neighbours. It has a lovely mid-palate of juicy, cassis fruit and there is some textbook graphite minerality too. The wine remains very linear and structured with lots of tannin and a definitive bite to the finish that will no doubt refine with time. There is plenty of freshness too. It will be fascinating to see how this comes together in bottle. The wine is due to spend 18 months in 75% new oak and the alcohol is 13.14%. Blend: 67% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot, 3% Cabernet Franc
Critic scores
William Kelley, Wine Advocate
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
67% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc and 5% Petit Verdot. Aged for 18 months in oak barrels (75% new). Crimson hue. Graphite and blackcurrant aroma and flavour. Serious and structured but polished as well. Not the weight of top vintages but everything in place. Dry finish. Could surprise. (JL)
Tasted blind. Lustrous blackish crimson. Intense, meaty and concentrated on the nose – quite a standout. Trying very hard not to be a 2021! Very polished. Savoury/mineral notes on the end. Glossy texture. (JR)
One of the most concentrated wines in the vintage, the inky hued 2021 Château Lynch-Bages is based on 67% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot, and the rest Cabernet Franc, raised in 75% new oak. It offers ample smoked black fruits, graphite, leather, and an undeniable sense of minerality. It has the firmer tannins of the vantage yet brings beautiful mid-palate depth, has medium-bodied richness, perfectly integrated oak, and terrific overall balance. This is one of the few 2021s where the cellar is going to really be required, which shouldn't surprise any long-term fans of this château. Hide bottles for 5-7 years and enjoy over the following two decades. The 2021 hit 13.14% alcohol, has a pH of 3.72, and a massive IPT (the amount of tannins) of 90.
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.