Château Lynch Bages, 5ème Cru Classé, Pauillac, 2016
Jean-Charles' mantra for the vintage was 'if 6 was 9', a Jimi Hendrix soundtrack for this rock and roll vintage. At first the sun did refuse to shine, but in the end, no-one minded as July, August, September and October were easy rider months. He explained that the final harvest date was the 12th of October, exactly the same date as in 2009, but that is the only thing these vintages have in common. They had never before seen such levels of tannin. This is dark and serious, a gravelly, introverted, mineral infused Lynch produced from 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot. Notes of graphite and black cherry lead to a handsome and powerful mid-palate of crème de cassis, coal and salty minerals. A big bold effort that harks back to the great Lynchs of yesteryear - it will require considerable patience. Rock 'n Roll indeed, and sure to delight lovers of this great Pauillac estate.
critic reviews
The 2016 Lynch Bages has a well-defined bouquet with blackberry, cedar and graphite scents, very complex, extremely pure and seductive, yet the class is absolutely clear. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins. There is a symmetry about this '16 that is compelling. Impressive length and bewitching detail from start to finish. Tasted blind (twice) at the Southwold 10-Year-On tasting.
Black cherry and damson, crushed raspberry, plenty of aromatic freshness and autumnal fruits. This has plenty of sculpted tannins and Pauillac character. In a subdued phase like many of the bigger wines are right now, proving how the 10 years on is a capricious bet in the bigger more structured vintages, especially in Pauillac.
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!