Chateau Lynch Bages 5eme Cru 1988

Jane Anson: Impressively youthful at 36 years old, fully delivering on the brief for Pauillac classifieds to be long ageing. The tannins are fully melted into the fruit structure, but still in evidence, giving shape and definition to the brambled autumnal fruit, layered with tobacco, smoked earth and pencil lead, with a cushion of mint leaf running underneath. Jean-Michel Cazes had been in charge since 1973, and by this point had transformed Lynch Bages into one of the wines of the appellation, beginning to rise above its 5th Growth ranking. The 2000 vintage took its time to come around, but is now at a great time to drink, even if there are still decades ahead of it. 70% new oak, Daniel Llhose winemaker. 94/100 (2024)

Parker: Rubinrot mit Aromen von Kräutern, Leder, gegrilltem Flaeisch und schwarzen Beeren, mittlerer Körper, kraftvoll, reichhaltig und schon schön reif.

Jeff Leve: Old school styled Pauillac, with a combination of strict, austerity and a charming, cedar, tobacco, cigar wrapper, leaf and cassis personality, the wine is full bodied, fully mature, ending with a spicy, cassis finish. Give it an hour of air, at this stage. 91/100 (2017)

Lobenberg: Rubinrot mit Aromen von Kräutern, Leder, gegrilltem Flaeisch und schwarzen Beeren, mittlerer Körper, kraftvoll, reichhaltig und schon schön reif.