2016 Lynch-Bages, Pauillac (OWC)

“Muscular but finely-tuned, with a floral, rose-stem edge to Cabernet Sauvignon-dominant flavours that elevates this beyond its surrounding vintages, as is often the case with exceptional 2016s on the Left Bank. Give it time in the glass if you are going near it any time soon, and allow the brambled fruits to appear, with creamy black cherry and damson puree on full display finessed with pencil lead, plum pudding, liqourice and slate-strewn tannins that give a mouth-watering finish. Great stuff, this is one to savour over the long term. 75% new oak.” (03/2022)

“Very rich and exotic with blackberry, black-tea, graphite and lead-pencil aromas. Full-bodied, dense and structured with lots of ripe tannins and a long, flavorful finish of currants and forest floor, combined with fresh mushrooms and bark. Needs four to five years to show its true potential.” (01/2019)

“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! (LPB) 97+” (11/2018)

“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!” (12/2022)

“The 2016 Lynch-Bages is primal but concentrated on the nose with blueberry and crushed violet scents. This is powerful, sensual and utterly glorious. The palate is medium-bodied with grippy tannins, assertive and structured yet retaining ample freshness. There is a subtle marine note that comes through on the finish. One of the most profound releases from the estate in recent years...maybe ever? (NM)” (06/2021)

“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. (JM)” (03/2019)

“This is 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot, and the élevage was in 75% new oak, for 18 months. I find a little note of roast to the fruit here, with toast, coffee grounds and grilled black cherry. The palate is deep, dark and rather brooding, clearly concentrated but with a somewhat loosely defined edge at the moment, but the dark depths and the confidence of the fruit through the middle is undeniable, and it comes swirled with dark praline, smoke and black bean. The finish is firm, wrapped in a ribbon of ripe tannins which runs right the way through to the length. This is very good, and I have a feeling my score could go higher here if this pulls together more in bottle.” (12/2018)

“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. (Panel Tasting)” (04/2025)

“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. 95+” (02/2019)

“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. (RV)” (05/2019)

“Dense, purple-black hue. Pure and reserved on the nose with a nuance of dark fruit. Sublime palate with depth and substance but fresh and balanced as well. Big tannic frame but the tannins refined and integrated. Finish goes on and on. Clearly one for the cellar. 18.5/20 points (JL)” (02/2025)