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Goedhuis, April 2016, Score: 93-95
70% Cabernet Sauvignon 24% Merlot 4% Cabernet Franc 2% Petit Verdot. A deep gleaming purple, a little closed on the nose at this early stage, it does open to reveal spiced black fruit, black olive and juniper scents. The palate has an iodine-like savoury grip propelled along by abundant ripe tannins. It is a bold and fulfilling style with inky depths.
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Neal Martin, July 2019, Score: 93
The 2015 Lynch-Bages has a fresh, vibrant bouquet of blackberry, graphite, cedarwood and just a touch of spice. The palate is medium-bodied with fresh acidity and well-balanced, but not quite as complex as the aromatics augur. While I like the precision here, it just does not kick in as I expected. Tasted blind at the Southwold 2015 Bordeaux tasting.
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Neal Martin, April 2016, Score: 93-95
They 2015 Lynch Bages is a blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot that was picked from 23 September until 2 October, matured in 75% new oak. There is an overwhelming sense of purity on the nose: perfumed, almost floral blackberry, wild strawberry, graphite and cedar scents, unmistakably Pauillac in style. The palate is medium-bodied with fine-grain tannin, a keen citrus thread that impart tension and ample freshness. Tasting this as the first wine of the day, it instantly refreshes the mouth and leaves it tingling with energy after it has departed. This is an excellent, top-grade Lynch Bages that deserves 8-10 years in bottle and then will offer three decade of pleasure, maybe more.
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Antonio Galloni, April 2016, Score: 91-94
A total knock-out, the 2015 Lynch Bages is racy, sumptuous and super-expressive. Raspberry jam, mocha, dark spices and leather flesh out as the 2015 shows off its broad, ample frame and inviting personality. The 2015 is a decidedly dark, flamboyant Lynch Bages with enough depth to drink well for several decades. Although a bit atypical, the 2015 Lynch Bages is nevertheless quite attractive.
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James Suckling, April 2016, Score: 95-96
Very classic style Lynch with pretty ripe fruit and tannin balanced. Full body, firm and shew tannins yet polished and refined. Alcohol and fruit balance are lower than other top years and give this wine freshness and energy.
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Decanter, April 2016, Score: 93
Superb nose of black fruits showing exuberant ripeness. It’s very robust on the palate, a hallmark of Lynch-Bages, but a hint of silkiness and freshness remains. This has a good future ahead.
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Matthew Jukes, April 2016, Score: 18+
(70 Cabernet Sauvignon, 24 Merlot, 4 Cabernet Franc, 2 Petit Verdot) | 70% new oak.
The nose on this wine is amazing with dense, sweet oak and impressive Cabernet intensity. The palate is structured, full, dense and very long. This is a serious Lynch-Bages with a singular message of forthright intent and I think it will live for an eternity. Not a massive wine in terms of its frame, this is, however, extremely concentrated and pure and there is the wondrous 2015 spiciness in evidence, too.
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Jancis Robinson, April 2016, Score: 17+
Two thirds of the crop. 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petit Verdot.
Much deeper crimson. Minerals and spice - a very winning combo - on the nose. But bone dry on the end after some pretty dry tannins. Very solid but needs time. Drier than many vintages. Still pretty tight.
Drink 2026-2040
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Tim Atkin, May 2016, Score: 94
Year in, year out, the Cazes make one of the most reliable classed growths, a wine that’s generally good value as well as a pleasure to drink. This intense, well structured Pauillac is firm and quite oaky, but with plenty of dark berry fruit and acidity for balance. Drink: 2022-35
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Wine Spectator, April 2016, Score: 92-95
This is packed with juicy currant, black cherry and blackberry fruit carried by warm stone and graphite notes. Offers lovely sweet spice hints through the finish, which is fleshy and integrated. Really sappy and intense, yet the smooth structure lets it all glide through beautifully.
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Antonio Galloni, April 2021, Score: 95+
The 2005 Lynch-Bages is a surprising wine. Whereas so many 2005s have begun to enter their first plateau of early maturity, the 2005 comes across as still young and in need of further cellaring! The purity of the fruit is striking. Readers who want to get the full Lynch-Bages experience will have to wait at least a few more years. The 2005 is a wine of substance and depth, with all of the raciness that is typical of this wine. It is one of the dark horses of the vintage, and still has room to go. Impressive.
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Neal Martin, June 2021, Score: 93
The 2005 Lynch-Bages is more opulent on the nose with camphor-tinged black and red fruit, desiccated orange peel and sage. With time, it develops a lovely floral component. The palate is medium-bodied with grippy tannins, bold and brassy with plenty of substance. This is no shy retiring wallflower but rather a demonstrative, almost flamboyant Pauillac with layers of black fruit laced with white pepper on the finish. Maybe it is a bit brash for some? But give this time because it will ultimately mellow. Tasted at the Lynch-Bages vertical at the château.
