Muscular but finely-tuned, with a floral, rose-stem edge to Cabernet Sauvignon-dominant flavours that elevates this beyond its surrounding vintages, as is often the case with exceptional 2016s on the Left Bank. Give it time in the glass if you are going near it any time soon, and allow the brambled fruits to appear, with creamy black cherry and damson puree on full display finessed with pencil lead, plum pudding, liqourice and slate-strewn tannins that give a mouth-watering finish. Great stuff, this is one to savour over the long term. 75% new oak.
99 points, Jane Anson (Apr 2022)
Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2016 Lynch Bages comes charging out of the gate with pronounced cassis, chocolate-covered cherries, mulberries and menthol notions, backed up by scents of garrigue, tilled soil and a waft of tapenade. Medium to full-bodied, rich and fantastically concentrated, the generous fruit is superbly framed by firm, ripe, grainy tannins with tons of pepper, cinnamon and cloves layers coming through on the finish. Truly, a legendary Lynch Bages!
97+ points, Wine Advocate (Nov 2018)
The 2016 Lynch-Bages is blended from 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc, and 2% Petit Verdot and has a deep garnet color. It is closed to begin, requiring a lot of swirling to unlock notes of blackcurrant pastilles, fresh black plums, and black cherries, plus suggestions of mossy tree bark, truffles, black olives, and lilacs. Medium-bodied, the palate is like a tightly wound spring waiting to explode, featuring layers of minerals and crunchy black fruits, supported by very firm, grainy tannins and bold freshness, finishing with epic length and energy. When this opens up, in another 5-7 years, be prepared to be blown away!
97+ points, Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Independent (Dec 2022)
The 2016 Lynch-Bages is primal but concentrated on the nose with blueberry and crushed violet scents. This is powerful, sensual and utterly glorious. The palate is medium-bodied with grippy tannins, assertive and structured yet retaining ample freshness. There is a subtle marine note that comes through on the finish. One of the most profound releases from the estate in recent years...maybe ever? Tasted at the Lynch-Bages vertical at the château.
97 points, Neal Martin, Vinous (Jul 2023)
This is built for the cellar, with a generous core of kirsch, raspberry paste and plum preserve flavors waiting to unfurl. Will take time, due to the licorice snap, roasted apple wood and sweet tobacco elements draped over the fruit. Should meld with age, as the structure is invigorating in feel, showing both acidity and tannins in lockstep with the fruit. Best from 2025 through 2040.
97 points, James Molesworth, Wine Spectator (Mar 2019)
Very rich and exotic with blackberry, black-tea, graphite and lead-pencil aromas. Full-bodied, dense and structured with lots of ripe tannins and a long, flavorful finish of currants and forest floor, combined with fresh mushrooms and bark. Needs four to five years to show its true potential. Try after 2024.
97 points, James Suckling (Jan 2019)
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