CRITIC REVIEWS
Neal Martin
The 2016 Lynch Bages is a blend of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petit Verdot with 13.7% alcohol and an IPT of 95, the highest ever for this property and probably one of the highest on the Left Bank this vintage. It was picked between from 27-30 September for the young vines, then the picking team stopped, restarting on 3 October with the Merlot and the Cabernets finished on 12 October. This vintage is matured in 75% new oak. It has a very concentrated, almost opaque bouquet that required some coaxing from the glass, developing floral and crushed limestone scents with time: disarmingly fresh and with stunning vivacity. The palate is concentrated and tannic, although they are not obtrusive and appear neatly embroidered into the multi-layered black fruit. This is a classic Lynch Bages with ambition and recalls vintages like 1990, a Lynch Bages built for long-term ageing. That arching backbone is counterbalanced by the keen line of acidity and a freshness that knows no bounds. There is ethereal delineation and tension on the finish, but I would give this at least ten years in bottle to enjoy this audacious Lynch Bages at its peak. Maybe the biggest surprise of the vintage, this has all the makings of a sensational wine.
Lisa Perrotti-Brown
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!