2015 Château Lynch-Bages

Description

96 Antonio Galloni for Vinous
“One of the finest Pauillacs of 2015, Lynch-Bages is rich, racy and voluptuous. A rush of dark red and purplish stone fruit, mint, new leather, spice and blood orange give the 2015 a very decidedly exotic character that is impossible to miss. Raspberry jam, mocha, new leather and expressive floral notes appear with time in the glass, rounding things out nicely. Even though the 2015 is quite forward and open at this stage, the wine has plenty of stuffing as well as the underlying structure to support many years of exceptional drinking. This is a stellar showing for Lynch-Bages.” (2/2018)

96 Roger Voss for Wine Enthusiast
“This vintage was ideal for the rich style that this estate has made its own. This wine is full bodied and ripe with black-currant and dark berry fruits. The tannins fall into the cushioned wine with ease and richness. Of course, the wine should be aged, so wait until 2026.” *Cellar Selection* (12/2017)

95 James Suckling
“Brambly and attractive ripe blackberries and red-plum aromas with some floral accents, too. The palate has a very plush, polished and regal shape as tannins frame up a core of ripe black fruit. Succulent, impressive finish. Best from 2022.” (2/2018)

94+ Jeb Dunnuck
“The inky colored 2015 Château Lynch-Bages is a seriously impressive Pauillac that’s up with the crème de la crème of the appellation in 2015. Notes of ripe blackcurrants, caramelized cherries, tobacco leaf and a kiss of lead pencil all emerge from this textbook Pauillac that has medium to full-bodied richness, notable concentration, and building structure. Made from 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Merlot and the rest Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot that saw 75% new barrels, it needs 5-7 years of cellaring and will be one of the longer-lived wines from the Médoc.” (11/2017)

94 Jane Anson for Decanter
This is a beautiful dark, rich purple colour, still with vivid en primeur edging. The nose is closed right now, and the tannins lend a certain austerity. After a few minutes, the loganberry and blackberry notes come through, along with liquorice and fresh mint leaf. Although the tannins remain insistent, the light begins to filter in. This is an excellent Lynch-Bages which displays the solid masculine frame that has become more apparent over the past few years. It’s clearly going to age extremely well. 75% new oak.” (11/2017)

94 Neal Martin
“The 2015 Lynch Bages is a blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot matured in 75% new oak. It has a really beautiful bouquet that builds on the promise that it showed out of barrel: blackberry, raspberry, graphite and a touch of violet–clean, precise and quite powerful, but it is the purity that really convinces you that this is a serious Lynch Bages. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin, a gentle grip in the mouth and a keen thread of acidity. I find this to be an elegant Lynch Bages, not as ambitious or as profound as the nascent 2016, yet very feminine and stylish with a silky smooth finish that is irresistible. Excellent. Anticipated maturity: 2022 – 2045.” (02/2018)