Chateau Lynch-Bages 2016

An unctuous red from Pauillac

5th Classified Growth, Chateau Lynch-Bages is a red wine produced in the Pauillac appellation. The vineyard has soil composed of gravel from the Garonne, which is typical of the appellation. Wine is aged in barrels, 75% are new. 2016 is a blend of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot.

At Chateau Lynch-Bages, flowering was delayed due to the rainfall in April and May. Nice weather from June 2^nd - June 12^th allowed flowering to occur homogenously. Summer was underway, as of June 25^th. Summer was hot and dry. September 13^th brought rain and relief. The rain was just what the grapes needed to finalize their maturation. 

Chateau Lynch-Bages 2016 has a deep garnet-red color, an indicator of exceptional maturity. The expressive nose possesses aromas of blackcurrants, Morello cherries and subtle notes of fresh mint. The attack is powerful and fresh, allowing a great unctuosity to present itself. Married with beautifully wrapped tannins, the combination is excellent. It should be noted that despite its tannic youth, the tannic presence is nothing short of remarkable. 

Wine Advocate-Parker :
The 2016 Lynch Bages is a blend of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petit Verdot with 13.7% alcohol and an IPT of 95, the highest ever for this property and probably one of the highest on the Left Bank this vintage. It was picked between from 27-30 September for the young vines, then the picking team stopped, restarting on 3 October with the Merlot and the Cabernets finished on 12 October. This vintage is matured in 75% new oak. It has a very concentrated, almost opaque bouquet that required some coaxing from the glass, developing floral and crushed limestone scents with time: disarmingly fresh and with stunning vivacity. The palate is concentrated and tannic, although they are not obtrusive and appear neatly embroidered into the multi-layered black fruit. This is a classic Lynch Bages with ambition and recalls vintages like 1990, a Lynch Bages built for long-term ageing. That arching backbone is counterbalanced by the keen line of acidity and a freshness that knows no bounds. There is ethereal delineation and tension on the finish, but I would give this at least ten years in bottle to enjoy this audacious Lynch Bages at its peak. Maybe the biggest surprise of the vintage, this has all the makings of a sensational wine.