2023 Lynch Bages
Buying options
Tasting notes
This is dark and brooding, with a tremendous amount of fruit packed into the glass – black plum preserve and juicy black cherry. The palate is amply supported by muscular tannins. Subtle cocoa, dark chocolate and baking spice add complexity to the lush fruit. This is not a shy wine but rather the proverbial iron fist in a velvet glove, with a long lingering finish that evolves to unveil violet and lilac notes. With so much density and structure, this wine will surely age for decades to come. Aged in 75% new oak for 18 months, with 13.7% alcohol and 3.75pH. Blend: 71% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petit Verdot
Critic scores
Average Score
James Suckling
William Kelley, Wine Advocate
More reviews and scores
Deep purple-hued, the 2023 Château Lynch-Bages reminds me slightly of the 2019 with its elegance as well as its classic Pauillac aromatics of ripe, smoky red and black currants, freshly sharpened pencil, graphite, and stony minerality. Based on 71% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc, and 2% Petit Verdot and aged 18 months in French oak barrels (75% new), it's medium to full-bodied and has a concentrated, layered, rich mouthfeel, beautiful, building tannins, and outstanding length. It's a classy, impressive 2023 that warrants 5-7 years of bottle age and will see its 30th birthday in fine form. Drink 2030-2055.
The 2023 Lynch-Bages is a super-classic Lynch Bages through and through. Deep, rich and plush, with soft contours and tons of energy, the 2023 is terrific. All it needs is time to come together. Floral, spice and pomegranate overtones all take shape in the glass. Impeccable.
The 2023 Lynch Bages has a very well-defined bouquet, with blackberry and bilberry fruit, crushed stone that gains precision with aeration. The palate is medium-bodied with a vibrant, saline entry, finely spun tannins, exquisite balance, with a finish that fans out wonderfully. Silky texture and very long, this is a superb Pauillac that might merit a higher score in the future.
About the producer
Ch. Lynch-Bages is one of the largest and best properties in Pauillac, in the Médoc. While officially classified as a Fifth Growth estate, it regularly competes with the First and Second Growths when it comes to quality and ageability.