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Goedhuis, April 2011, Score: 93-95
A very classic example of Pauillac, with deep blackberry aromas, and a natural intensity of fruit in the palate. This wine contains the firm tannic structure which is so much a characteristic of the vintage and appellation and has a long and well balanced finish. DR
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Neal Martin, April 2020, Score: 95
The 2010 Lynch-Bages has a stunning bouquet with pixelated black fruit, crushed stone and graphite aromas that soar from the glass. This is just amazingly focused. The palate is medium-bodied with concentrated black fruit curiously tinged with cough candy, which here I find just a bit out of place. The acidity is extremely well judged and there is immense persistence on the finish. Bold, brassy and ambitious, this is an extremely impressive wine, although I suspect that there are better bottles out there. Tasted blind at Farr Vintners 10-Year On Bordeaux horizontal. 2023-2060
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Neal Martin, February 2013, Score: 93+
The Lynch Bages 2010 has gone back into its shell since I tasted it out of barrel. It has very fine precision and comes across as understated and poised, although I hope it develops more vigour and fruit penetration. The palate is dense and focused, with light graphite notes infusing the black fruit and a keen thread of acidity lending it fine tension towards the finish. It just needs a little more attack, but that should develop with time.
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Neal Martin, April 2011, Score: 95-97
Tasted at the chateau and at the UGC, the Lynch Bages 2010 is a blend of 79% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot raised in 70% new oak. The nose is a little reticent at first, but builds nicely with aeration with blackberry, cassis, cedar, mint and just a touch of honey. Very good delineation. The palate is full-bodied with a firm, almost vice-like grip but with more than adequate fruit to back it up: blackcurrant, cedar, graphite and a touch of tobacco. Very tannic yet fresh towards the finish that will need a decade to reach its drinking plateau. Excellent. Drink 2020-
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Robert Parker, February 2013, Score: 96
The 2010 Lynch Bages is an absolutely brilliant wine, and somewhat reminiscent at this stage in its development of the profound 1989. Jean-Charles Cazes, who took over for his father a number of years ago, has produced a magnificent wine with the classic creme de cassis note intermixed with smoke, graphite and spring flowers. It is a massive Lynch Bages, full-bodied and very 1989-ish, with notable power, loads of tannin, and extraordinary concentration and precision. This is not a Lynch Bages to drink in its exuberant youth, but one to hold on to for 5-6 years and drink over the following three decades.Drink: 2018-2048
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Robert Parker, May 2011, Score: 95-97
Over the last three vintages, Lynch Bages has returned with a vengeance after somewhat listless performances following their brilliant duo of 1989 and 1990. Much of the credit for this must go to Jean-Charles Cazes who has taken over for his father, Jean-Michel, one of the greatest ambassadors Bordeaux has ever had. The 2010 blew me away on each occasion I tasted it during my two week sojourn in Bordeaux. Tannic and concentrated, this huge Pauillac boasts an inky/purple color as well as impressive notes of creme de cassis, smoke, graphite and spring flowers. This dense, seriously endowed, monstrous Lynch Bages is reminiscent of some of the wines made at this estate in the 1950s, 1960s, 1970s and 1980s. It will require 4-5 years of cellaring and should be drinkable for 3-4 decades. Drink: 2015 - 2055
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James Suckling, April 2011, Score: 98-99
What incredible precision and clarity here. Currants, mineral, mint and lead pencil. Full body, with super refined tannins and a long, long finish. I am loving this young wine. It just builds on the palate. Goes so long. 79 percent Cabernet Sauvignon, 18 percent Merlot, 2 percent Cabernet Franc, and 1 percent Petit Verdot.
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Decanter, April 2011, Score: 18
Very good concentration of Cabernet fruits, rich and earthy, vibrant, vigorous flavours and packed with energy, a wine that once again justifies this château's reputation. Drink 2020-40.
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Wine Spectator, April 2011, Score: 95-98
This is densely packed, with loads of crushed fig, plum and blackberry. Shows ample tobacco, roasted apple wood and bittersweet cocoa notes as well, but stays defined, with a long, authoritative finish that delivers waves of grip, backed by even more grip. -J.M.
