Château Lynch Bages, 5ème Cru Classé, Pauillac, 2013

The Fiche technique from Lynch Bages was titled 'Earth, Wind & Fire' - nothing to do with the 1970s at all as it turns out. In fact, this is a very 21st century wine. The team here has worked meticulously to produce a very smart Lynch Bages. The yields are the smallest seen since 1991 at 31hl/ha. Produced from 72% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot. There is a lovely perfumed bouquet of violets, griotte liqueur and cassis. There is admirable texture and depth, with waves of charming, sweet, glossy black fruit. This is verging on decadent - certainly for the vintage. It is big and velvety with a floral finish; lovely precision and detail. Sexy yet strict and firm. Another really fine effort from this venerable Pauillac estate.