Chateau Lynch Bages Lynch Bages

2018 Lynch Bages

By Chateau Lynch Bages

2018 Lynch Bages from Chateau Lynch Bages, Pauillac, Bordeaux

If ever there was a vintage to spotlight from the esteemed rows of Chateau Lynch Bages, the 2018 release vaults into the lexicon of wine aficionados with aplomb. It was a year where Pauillac's rigor and potential coalesced like stars aligning, presenting an opportunity for investors to secure a luminous gem for their collections.

 

Vintner's Vision: Crafting Exquisiteness Amidst Challenge

The narrative of 2018 across Bordeaux was one fraught with challenge; a test of terroir, vigourously met by the resilient vintners at Chateau Lynch Bages. Early rainfall presented hurdles only for the weather to concede, granting an Indian summer that bore the quintessence of superb ripening conditions. This is critically significant in distinguishing the 2018 Lynch Bages, which in its generous concentration yet profound structure, sings a paean to this late-season grace.

 

A Vintage of Vibrance: The 2018 Lynch Bages Experience

Audacious black currants and cassis notes greet one immediately upon the olfactory indulgence, shadowed closely by an elegant suite of cedarwood and graphite—hallmarks of true Pauillac pedigree. The palate unfolds in a measured waltz of dark fruit harmonies, punctuated by the subtle stave of spicy oak and a whisper of tobacco - an ensemble befitting of its grand cru stature.

With tannins that both assert and assure in their finesse, the 2018 Lynch Bages from Chateau Lynch Bages is not just endowed with longevity; it is a clarion call to the virtues of patience in wine investment. Age will undoubtedly unfurl further complexities within this compelling canvas—a canvas painted with the deep hues of Pauillac's most treasured traditions.

In summary, the calibre of the 2018 vintage under Chateau Lynch Bages' masterful creation offers a sterling addition to any discerning investor's portfolio. The wine's poised evolution once cellared will reflect not simply on the wine itself, but as testimony to an investor's foresight in recognizing potential immured within an exceptional vintage.

Current market price

$1,610.00

12x75cl

Highest score

97

POP score

57.06

Scores and tasting notes

97-98

This is incredibly powerful and structured with so much tannin backbone and length, yet it’s cool and fresh with a compact palate and great length. Muscular.

James Suckling - jamessuckling.com - April 2019

96-99

Dark cassis, plum and cherry fruit flavors stream through in this red, harnessed well by bolts of iron along the way. Sweet tobacco detail echoes through the finish, which is seriously long. An extremely rock-solid wine in the making here.—J.M.

James Molesworth - Wine Spectator - April 2019

97

This is hugely impressive right from the off - strap on your walking boots, get your crampons at the ready, there is a wall to climb - not one that you ever hit by the way, because contrary to expectations this unfurls slowly, keeping the peak just out of sight. It’s great quality and one of my favourites from this property because it’s full of power but with a caress, so much tannic power too and yet so light of foot. It’s filled with absolutely delicious black chocolate, rosemary, cardamom and pepper but also lets the light in thanks for a fresh core running through. Having tasted it a few times it’s clear it’s going to age extremely well. A yield of 38hl/ha.

Jane Anson - Decanter - April 2019

96-98

The 2018 Lynch Bages is made up of 72% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petit Verdot aging in 75% new barriques. Very deep purple-black in color, the nose is quite coy and restrained to begin, fanning out to offer pure, ripe blackcurrants, black cherries and preserved plums with wafts of red roses, cigar box, incense, cardamom and fenugreek with savory touches of black olives, Marmite toast and smoked meats. Full-bodied, the palate is built like a brick house, with a solid foundation of very firm, very ripe, grainy tannins and superb freshness supporting the generous black fruit layers, finishing long with provocative ferrous suggestions.

Lisa Perrotti-Brown - The Wine Advocate, 23rd April 2019

96

Composed of 72% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petit Verdot, the 2018 Lynch-Bages was aged in 75% new barriques. Deep garnet-purple in color, it soars out of the glass with a magnificently expressive nose of blueberry compote, black cherry preserves and blackcurrant pastilles, plus suggestions of dark chocolate, licorice, tar and violets with a waft of hoisin. The medium to full-bodied palate is just as impactful as the nose, coating the mouth with juicy black berry and spicy layers, supported by firm, grainy tannins and seamless freshness, finishing long with a refreshing earthiness coming through at the end.

Lisa Perrotti-Brown - The Wine Advocate, 31 March 2021

93-96

The 2018 Lynch-Bages is a potent, racy wine endowed with real textural depth and intensity. Even so, it retains terrific nuance and vibrancy. All the classic Lynch-Bages signatures are present, but amped up, with huge tannins and equally huge fruit. The 2018 is going to need at least a few years to shed some of its baby fat. Today, it is decidedly rich and unctuous in style. Rose petal, lavender, mint and sweet spice add striking layers of aromatic nuance. The blend is 72% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petit Verdot.

Antonio Galloni - Vinous - April 2019

Vintage performance