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.
Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2016 Lynch Bages comes charging out of the gate with pronounced cassis, chocolate-covered cherries, mulberries and menthol notions, backed up by scents of garrigue, tilled soil and a waft of tapenade. Medium to full-bodied, rich and fantastically concentrated, the generous fruit is superbly framed by firm, ripe, grainy tannins with tons of pepper, cinnamon and cloves layers coming through on the finish. Truly, a legendary Lynch Bages!
This is built for the cellar, with a generous core of kirsch, raspberry paste and plum preserve flavors waiting to unfurl. Will take time, due to the licorice snap, roasted apple wood and sweet tobacco elements draped over the fruit. Should meld with age, as the structure is invigorating in feel, showing both acidity and tannins in lockstep with the fruit. Best from 2025 through 2040.
Graphite, licorice, dark fruit and a touch of tar on the nose. Firm and structured, with great detail and definition. Medium- to full-bodied. This is still structured and will definitely benefit from more bottle age. Better after 2027. 10 Years On retrospective.
TWI
96pts
The Wine Independent
A fruity nose of deep and crunchy marmalade is offered by the 2016 Lynch-Bages. It is a massive wine, dark and dense, still a bit closed, tannic and raw – classic and impressive. It has an immense tannic backbone and is for now a hard and unresolved wine that will require another 5-8 years of cellaring. Knowing the potential of the wines from Lynch Bages I am convinced this baby will become a beautiful swan, it just needs time.
Rich, jammy and powerful, this wine is all about concentration and firm tannins. Ripe black-currant flavors add great juiciness at the end. The wine has magnificent potential. Drink from 2025.
A powerhouse of Pauillac, and another fifth growth estate that has long punched above its classification. Owned by the Cazes family since 1939, and now under Jean-Charles Cazes, Lynch-Bages combines tradition with a modern, international outlook. The 2016 vintage marked the end of an era before construction began on a new winery. The vineyard covers 90ha of deep gravel, planted mostly to Cabernet Sauvignon. The 2016 blend is 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot, vinified in stainless steel and wood, and aged 18 months in French oak barrels, 75% new. Georgie Hindle: Sweet toasted spices, bramble berry fruit. Muscular and powerful but also supersleek and defined. A classic Pauillac that needs time, yet it’s cool, crisp and very moreish. Vincenzo Arnese: Morello cherry, intense and rich. Great structure and body. Rich with a good finish and integrated tannins. Robert Mathias MW: A slightly toasty nose, with cedar, sandalwood and five spice. Ample cassis fruit on a charming, forward palate. Plenty going on, with Pauillac’s gravelly focus and drive.
The flagship 2016 Château Lynch Bages is a powerhouse, checking in as 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc, and 2% Petit Verdot raised in 75% new French oak. This deep, concentrated, powerful 2016 is going to be one for the ages, but if you’re looking for instant gratification, this isn’t for you. Saturated purple-colored, with thick black fruits, graphite, and scorched earth aromas and flavors, it fills the mouth with fruit, has masses of tannins, and beautiful overall balance. Don’t even think about opening bottles before 7-8 years from now, and it’s going to have 3-4 decades of longevity.
Winery Notes
Deep garnet red in colour, Château Lynch-Bages 2016 has the characteristics of a remarkably mature vintage. The nose is very expressive with notes of dark fruit (blackcurrant, morello cherry, etc.) mixed with fresh touches of mint. The attack is smooth, revealing an exceptional substance, supported by a wonderful freshness. The tannins are already remarkably well-blended.