2016 Lynch-Bages, Pauillac (375ml)

“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.” (01/2019)

“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! (LPB)” (10/2025)

“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? Tasted at the Lynch-Bages vertical at the château. (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)

“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. (IB) 96+” (01/2026)

“One of the best Lynch-Bages since 1990. Powerful, full-bodied, dark in colour and fruit character, this has intense, exotic, spicy fruit notes adding extra layers of complexity to the structured palate. A classic Pauillac with some lead-pencil notes and great focus, this will be a long-lived wine capable of ageing for several decades. (AH)” (12/2021)

“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. 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)